Trying to calculate force of a tackle

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In summary, to calculate the force exerted by NFL players on stationary objects, you will need to know their 40 yard dash times, weight, height, and other characteristics such as padding, surface area of contact, angle, and motion during collision. The equation F=ma will not be useful as you need to consider the change in momentum due to mass and velocity.
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novafc23
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Homework Statement


I'm trying to calculate the force that certain NFL players exert on stationary objects. I have their 40 yard dash times, weight, and height. Are there any other characteristics of the players I need to know? And how would I calculate force in this problem?


Homework Equations


Of course f=mass*acceleration


The Attempt at a Solution

 
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  • #2
You need to determine the time over which a collision occurs (the time during which momentum transfer is happening). This will depend upon things like padding, and how "squishy" a human body is under compression. What's the surface area of contact? The angle (both horizontally and vertically)? Is the player still driving forward with his legs during the collision, or is it a 'flying tackle'?
 
  • #3
F=ma really won't contribute to this problem. As said by gneill, you want to look at the change in momentum, which will depend on mass and velocity, not acceleration since when people are running at full speed they aren't accelerating anymore.
 

1. What is the formula for calculating the force of a tackle?

The formula for calculating the force of a tackle is Force = Mass x Acceleration. This means that the force of a tackle is directly proportional to the mass of the object being tackled and the acceleration at which the tackle occurs.

2. How do you measure the mass of an object in a tackle?

The mass of an object can be measured using a scale or balance. This will give you the mass in units of kilograms (kg). Alternatively, if the mass is already known, it can be found in reference materials or by using online calculators.

3. What factors influence the acceleration in a tackle?

The acceleration in a tackle can be influenced by various factors such as the speed and direction of the object being tackled, the force applied by the tackler, and any external forces such as gravity or friction. The surface and conditions of the playing field can also affect the acceleration.

4. Can the force of a tackle be predicted?

Yes, the force of a tackle can be predicted using the formula mentioned earlier, Force = Mass x Acceleration. By determining the mass and acceleration of the objects involved in the tackle, the force can be calculated. However, factors such as technique and unexpected movements can also impact the force of a tackle.

5. How can knowing the force of a tackle be useful?

Knowing the force of a tackle can be useful for understanding the impact and potential injuries that may occur during a tackle. It can also help coaches and trainers assess the effectiveness of a tackle and make improvements to technique and training methods. In addition, understanding the force of a tackle can also aid in equipment design and safety regulations.

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