Chapter Five : Biomechanical Principles of Equilibrium Flashcards
Equilibrium definition
When an object has no unbalanced forces or torques acting on it
Either motionless or moving at a constant velocity
Static equilibrium definition
When an object is motionless. All the forces and torques acting on the body add up to zero
Three conditions for static equilibrium
- The sum of all the vertical forces acting on the body must be zero
- The sum of all the horizontal forces acting on the body must be zero
- The sum of all the torques must be zero
Dynamic equilibrium definition
When the body or an object is moving with a constant velocity
Stability definition
Is the resistance to the disruption of the equilibrium
Balance definition
Is the ability to control equilibrium while stationary or moving
Correlation between balance and stability
Higher stability objects have more balance, lower stability objects have less balance
Factors affecting stability
Base of support Centre of gravity Line of gravity Body mass Friction between the body and the surface
Base of support definition
Is the area bound by the outside edges of the body parts in contact with the supporting surface
Relationship between base of support and stability
The larger the base of support the greater the stability
The smaller the base of support the lesser the stability
Increasing base of support examples
Boxer widening his stance
Baseball player spreading his legs
Cricketer moving one leg forward
Decreasing base of support examples
Swimmers lean on tiptoes to allow an easier takeoff in diving
A dancer on one foot has less stability to allow them to complete turns easier
Sprinter leaning on tiptoes to allow them to takeoff quickly
Centre of gravity definition
The point at which the whole weight of an object can be considered to act
How does the centre of gravity change?
When moving upwards (tiptoes) the centre of gravity moves upwards
When crouching down the centre of gravity is lowered
Relationship between the centre of gravity and stability
When the centre of gravity is raised the stability is decreased
When the centre of gravity is lowered the stability increases
Raising centre of gravity to decrease stability examples
Divers on their tiptoes to initiate diving quicker
Runners begin on their toes to initiate a quicker takeoff
Dancers perform on their toes to allow easier turns