Physics and the Olympics

Posted by Paul A. Heckert Aug 10, 2008

The Olympics are here again. You might not think that physics and the Olympics are related, but most sports involve physics in some way. The combination of human anatomy and the laws of physics determines the proper form needed to produce the best performance in any sport.

Gymnasts and divers doing various spinning maneuvers follow laws of physics such as conservation of angular momentum. Bringing their bodies close to the spin axis will cause them to spin faster; stretching out will slow their spin rates. The gymnastic iron cross maneuver on rings requires considerable arm strength because of the force vectors involved. Muscles pulling nearly horizontally must provide a significant vertical force.

Water produces more friction than air, so the new swimsuits that reduce the effect of drag in water might help some swimmers set new records. Attaining maximum speed with a swimming stroke requires maximizing the push in the water during the stroke portion and minimizing it in the return portion - all physics.

Many sports require throwing, hitting, or kicking a ball. Here the physics of projectile motion applies. For example, in the absence of air friction, the maximum range is attained with a launch angle of 45 degrees. Air resistance will affect that angle some.

Coaches and physical educators study kinesiology which is the science of physics applied to the motions of the human body. This knowledge, when properly applied, can help athletes achieve their maximum performance.