Energy Transferred When Punching - How Much Force?

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Nim
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Energy
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on quantifying the energy transferred during a punch, specifically referencing the "average force of a focused Sieken punch," which delivers approximately 700 foot-pounds. Additionally, a boxing team recorded energy delivery to a punching bag as "1,064 pound impulses." The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the mass of the punching bag and its velocity post-impact, utilizing the formula E = 1/2 mv² for calculations. This establishes a clear method for estimating energy transfer in punching scenarios.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics principles, particularly kinetic energy.
  • Familiarity with the formula E = 1/2 mv².
  • Knowledge of measurement units such as foot-pounds and pound impulses.
  • Experience with measuring equipment for force and energy transfer.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the mechanics of punching and energy transfer in martial arts.
  • Explore the physics of momentum and its relation to impact force.
  • Learn about different types of punching bags and their mass specifications.
  • Investigate methods for measuring force and energy in sports science.
USEFUL FOR

Martial artists, sports scientists, physical trainers, and anyone interested in the physics of impact and energy transfer in combat sports.

Nim
Messages
74
Reaction score
0
Anyone have an idea of how much energy is transferred to someone or something when someone punches them or it? I know this can vary a lot, but does anyone have any numbers? I came across one website that said something like the "average force of a focused Sieken (punch)" delivers 700 foot-pounds, whatever a Sieken punch is, I don't know. I came across another website that talked about some people who recorded the energy delivered to a punching bag by their boxing team. I wasn't familier with the units though, I think it was "1,064 pound impulses" from one of their guys.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
It should be easy to measure, or estimate if you're familair with some common equipment. First, remember that
E = \frac{1}{2}mv^2
Now, assume a punching bag of mass m hanging motionless being hit with a punch (and I'm thinking of one of those big cylindrical sand filled punching bags, not the small teardrop shaped ones). How fast is the bag moving after it's hit with a punch? That's all you need to know.
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

Undergrad Question about transfer of Energy and Momentum in Ballistics
  • · Replies 34 ·
2
Replies
34
Views
4K
Undergrad How to Measure Impact Force / Energy Absorption
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K
Undergrad What is the secret behind Shi Yan Ming's extraordinary punching power?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
High School About verification on Kinetic energy and work
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
High School The physics of flywheel launchers (like tennis ball shooters)
  • · Replies 60 ·
3
Replies
60
Views
6K
High School How to determine applied force when two objects collide? (basic physics engine)
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
High School How does force transfer through an object microscopically?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
High School Questions about momentum and force as well as normal force/friction
  • · Replies 35 ·
2
Replies
35
Views
4K
High School Energy transfer water > air in a greenhouse
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
600
Chemistry How to understand the energy involved in mass transfer into an open system?
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
2K