Inertia, Friction & Velocity in Golf

Please provide more context and details pertaining to the question.In summary, the conversation discusses the concepts of inertia, friction, and acceleration/velocity in relation to the sport of golf. These concepts play a crucial role in determining the range and trajectory of the golf ball, as well as the various shots and techniques used in the game. Additionally, other factors such as back spin and rolling friction also contribute to the physics of golf. It is important to understand these concepts in order to improve one's performance on the course.
  • #1
SpaceChic21
5
0
Explain the inertia, friction and acceleration/velocity of Golf. Thank you
 
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  • #2
Intertia: once you start drinking on the golf course, you have a tendency to continue.

Friction: Is between wife and husband caused by getting hammered on the golf course.

Acceleration/Velocity: Who Cares? Let's get another drink.

More specifically, what is the question?
 
  • #3
Morons

you know I hate mean people, I am an intulectual who takes physics seriously and you have offended me! MMMM... Physicsness
 
  • #4
Clarification

The question was how those physics concepts apply to the sport of golf. Why are they important to golf?
 
  • #5
Well, inertia is important otherwise your golf ball wouldn't be there to hit - it would be shooting of at the speed of light. Inertia is resistance to acceleration, also known as inertial mass, or just good ol' mass. That the golf ball has inertia allows you to judge the impulse you will provide to it with your club and tuhs, when factoring in the angle you strike it, allows you to predict the range of your ball.

Friction, or more generally contact forces, are necessary for you to supply this impulse in the first place. When you strike the ball with your club, the club exerts a contact force upon the ball which provides that impulse.

Acceleration is neccesary for getting the ball in motion. This is determined by the contact force applied and the inertia (or mass) of the ball:

Force = mass * acceleration.

When striking the ball, you are only accelerating it for a brief period of time, denoted [tex]\Delta t[/tex]. Over this time, the force may be constant or may change, in which case you can just take the average to find the change in momentum of the ball:

[tex]\Delta p = F_{av}\Delta t[/tex].

As this force is applied, the velocity of the ball increases until the impulse has finished (no more force supplied). This velocity will determine the range and duration of the flight of the ball. You can model the velocity as having a vertical component and a horizontal component.

The vertical component is important because gravity will force the ball back down to Earth. The greater the vertical velocity, the longer it will take for gravity to do this. This component determines the time of flight of the ball. The horizontal velocity has no bearing on this in an ideal model.

The time of flight and horizontal velocity together determine the range of the ball. The faster it moves horizontally, the more distance it will cover before hitting the ground.

It has been shown that the ideal angle of the ball's trajectory is 45 degrees off the horizontal. The ideal force applied is as much as possible without smashing it.

Other considerations in golf are air resistance and wind. Air resistance is tricky, and depends on the radius of the golf ball and the speed it travels at. Larger, faster objects are more effected than slower, smaller ones.
 
  • #6
SpaceChic21 said:
I am an intulectual
That figures..:rolleyes:
 
  • #7
:biggrin: I'm Nice!

you know I hate mean people, I am an intulectual who takes physics seriously and you have offended me! MMMM... Physicsness

I can only assume you are being sarcastic, and I like that!

Since you likely know the physics aspects, I'll give some details on golf and you can connect the two.

Slice/Hook: caused by side spin imparted to the ball from the club not hitting square or not approacing the ball in a straight path. (friction)

Back spin: backwards spin on the ball to help it stop quickly on the green. (friction)

Don't forget about putting: the put itself (inertia), the rolling friction from the green, velocity of the ball and decelleration as it rolls.

All sorts of good stuff, golf is all about maximizing all the stuff El Hombre Invisible is talking about, which is why some of us tards blow 500 bucks on one single club!
 
  • #8
SpaceChic21 said:
you know I hate mean people, I am an intulectual who takes physics seriously and you have offended me! MMMM... Physicsness

That is a typical response you will get if you simply post your homework here and expect answers to be given to you.
 

What is inertia in golf and how does it affect the game?

Inertia is the tendency of an object to resist changes in its state of motion. In golf, this can refer to the resistance of the golf ball to change its direction or speed when hit by a club. This means that a ball with more mass or weight will have a greater resistance to change, making it harder to control on the course.

How does friction impact a golf shot?

Friction is the force that resists the motion of two surfaces rubbing against each other. In golf, friction plays a crucial role in the interaction between the club face and the ball. The friction between the two surfaces creates the spin that affects the direction and distance of the ball. It also plays a role in the grip on the club, providing stability and control for the golfer.

What is the relationship between velocity and distance in golf?

Velocity is the speed of an object in a particular direction. In golf, the faster the clubhead speed, the greater the velocity of the ball will be. This increased velocity can result in longer shots, as the ball is able to cover more distance in a shorter amount of time. However, it is important to note that other factors such as launch angle and spin also play a role in determining the distance of a golf shot.

How do club materials affect inertia, friction, and velocity in golf?

The materials used to make golf clubs can impact the three factors in various ways. For example, a lighter club will have less inertia, making it easier for the golfer to swing and control. The materials used on the club face can also affect friction and spin, with some materials providing more grip and others reducing it. Finally, the stiffness of the club shaft can impact the velocity at which the clubhead moves, thus affecting the distance and control of the shot.

How can golfers use the concepts of inertia, friction, and velocity to improve their game?

Understanding how these three factors affect the game of golf can help golfers make more informed decisions on the course. For example, by using a heavier club with more inertia, a golfer may be able to achieve more distance and control. Additionally, understanding the role of friction can help golfers make adjustments to their swings or club selection to achieve the desired spin on the ball. Finally, focusing on increasing clubhead speed and velocity can result in longer and more consistent shots.

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