The Physics of Golf: How Trajectory, Spin & Velocity Affect Shots

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the physics involved in golf, exploring various physical principles such as mechanics, materials, aerodynamics, thermodynamics, and biomechanics. Participants examine how these concepts apply to different aspects of the game, including the swing, ball trajectory, and interactions between the ball and club.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that the physics of golf encompasses all of physics, while others argue this is too general and propose focusing on specific areas such as mechanics, materials, and aerodynamics.
  • One participant humorously mentions the application of quantum statistical mechanics in golf, questioning its relevance to practical play.
  • Thermodynamics is discussed, with a participant noting the entropy states of the ball in different positions on the course.
  • Biomechanics is mentioned as an important aspect, with a reference to a specific book on the subject.
  • Participants highlight the importance of understanding the collision mechanics involved in hitting the ball and the role of momentum and impulse in the game.
  • There is a suggestion to break down the steps involved in playing golf to better identify relevant physical phenomena.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the specific physics involved in golf, with multiple competing views and interpretations of the question presented. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach to analyze the physics of the game.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the original question's clarity and suggest that it may be related to homework, indicating a need for more specific inquiries to facilitate discussion.

limelight26
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What physics are involved in golf
 
Physics news on Phys.org
all of physics
 
"All of physics" is pretty general, and probably not accurate. The main physical phenomenea studied in golf would be mechanics, materials, and aerodynamics.
 
Mech_Engineer said:
"All of physics" is pretty general, and probably not accurate.

What? You mean you never busted out the quantum statistical mechanics on the back 9?
 
thermodynamics: the ball in a hole is a low entropy state, whereas the ball in the rough is a high entropy state, hence golf is hard. □
 
biomechanics...has anyone read The Physics of Golf by Jorgensen?
 
cepheid said:
What? You mean you never busted out the quantum statistical mechanics on the back 9?

I have...and it didn't help my slice...LMAO! :smile:

CS
 
It's a really dreadful question by the OP, and most probably homework of some kind.

The answer is lots of physics. You'll have to narrow it down exactly what sort of thing you want to know.

Hint: Start by thinking about all the steps taken to acutally play the game. Probably best to start with the swing and work forward from there. List them all, then start thinking of physics-like phenonema you see.

as an example i'll give you an easy one. Hitting the ball - a collision.
EDIT GAH- old thread!
 
MikeyW said:
thermodynamics: the ball in a hole is a low entropy state, whereas the ball in the rough is a high entropy state, hence golf is hard. □

Don't forget the bending moments and shear forces on the club.

But OP, things like momentum come into play when golfing. Impulse-momentum. Like that.
 

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