How Do Basic Physics Equations Apply to Sports Scenarios?

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on applying basic physics equations to sports scenarios, specifically addressing three problems involving distance, acceleration, and projectile motion. The key equations used include x = v₀t + 1/2at², v = v₀ + at, and V² = V₀² + 2ax, with gravity set at g = 9.8 m/s². The participants clarify unit conversions and the importance of understanding initial velocity in solving these problems, emphasizing the need for precise calculations in real-world applications.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic kinematics equations
  • Familiarity with unit conversions (e.g., miles per hour to meters per second)
  • Knowledge of acceleration and its impact on motion
  • Basic grasp of projectile motion principles
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and application of kinematic equations in various contexts
  • Learn advanced projectile motion concepts, including air resistance effects
  • Explore real-world applications of physics in sports, such as biomechanics
  • Investigate unit conversion techniques for different measurement systems
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, sports scientists, coaches, and anyone interested in the application of physics principles to athletic performance and safety.

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Homework Statement


1. If you are driving 70 mi/hr and you look to the side for 2 seconds, how far did you travel during this inattentive period?

2. A pilot determines that his plane can accelerate at a rate of 10,000 mi/hr². If the runway is .5 miles long and he must be traveling at 100 mi/hr in order to leave the ground, should he attempt to take-off?

3. A baseball is hit straight up into the air with a speed of 25 m/s. How high does it go and how long is it in the air?


Homework Equations



x=volt+1/2at²
v=Vo+at
V² =V² o+2ax

acceleration due to gravity: g=9.8 m/s²

Everything is in absence of air resistance and any other outside forces.

x=distance covered
v=initial velocity
t=time
a=acceleration
v=speed or velocity

units=m/s²
The little "o"s next to the Vs are just initial velocity, if there is no inition velocity (starting at 0) then that part of the equation can be marked out.

The Attempt at a Solution


1. Here I am somewhat confused on which equation to choose, it can't be the second one because I am measure distance (x). I'll go with the first one.

x=volt+1/2at²

X=(70 miles/hr)(2s)
Because there is no acceleration I am guessing I mark that part of the equation out.
Now I will attempt to convert for like units...

I really have no idea what I'm doing


2. I have notes for this, I'm just having trouble understanding them. The basic question is what is X when the plane reaches 100 mph.
V² =Vo² +2ax
100/2a=2ax/2a
100/2a=x
100/2(10,000 mi/hr² =.5mile


3. I have notes for this one as well. I think in class we went over 2 ways of doing it, one easy, one hard. Is it that I can just move the decimal place over in the 25 m/s and multiply it by two?
example: 25 m/s, so 2.5 x 2 (multiply by 2 for time up and time coming down)


Thanks for helping on any of these.


-Michael
 
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#1 is basically a unit conversion problem. You need to convert it into distance / second

I'll make up different numbers and show you how to do it.

Let's say you were given 50 km / minute. There are 60 seconds in a minute so this equals 50 km / 60 seconds. You can now divide 50/60 and get .833 km / s. Doing this speed, if you took your eyes off the road for 3 seconds, you will have traveled 0.833 km/s * 3 s = 2.5 km.

You could also solve this by translating seconds into hours. Then your proglem would read that you took your eyes off the road for 2/3600 of an hour while traveling at 70 mi/hr.
 
A sport is a physical activity that is governed by a set of rules or customs and often engaged in competitively, sports can be done on land, in water, in the air and in space.


http://www.basicsportrules.com/"
 
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