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

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on the various physics concepts relevant to golf, emphasizing mechanics, materials, and aerodynamics. Participants note that a comprehensive understanding of golf physics requires narrowing down specific areas of interest, such as the mechanics of the swing and the collision between the club and ball. The conversation touches on thermodynamics, highlighting the entropy differences between a ball in a hole versus in the rough. Additionally, biomechanics and the effects of momentum and impulse are mentioned as critical factors in golf performance. Overall, the thread underscores the complexity of physics in understanding and improving golf techniques.
limelight26
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What physics are involved in golf
 
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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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