Biomechanics

• What is a force?


  A push or pull acting on a body.
• What is the formula for force?

  Force = Mass × Acceleration (F = ma).
• What are the types of forces in biomechanics?

  Internal and external forces.
• What is net force?

  The sum of all forces acting on a body.
• What is a free body diagram?

  A simplified diagram showing all forces acting on a body.
• What does the arrow in a free body diagram represent?

  The direction and magnitude of the force.
• What are the key forces included in a free body diagram?

  Weight, reaction force, friction, and air resistance.
• What is the purpose of a free body diagram?

  To analyze the motion of a body by visualizing forces.
• How is weight represented in a free body diagram?

  By a downward arrow starting from the center of mass.
• What factors affect friction?

  Surface texture and normal contact force.
• What affects air resistance?

  Speed, surface area, shape, and air density.
• How does mass affect motion?

  Greater mass increases inertia, requiring more force to change motion.
• What is inertia?

  The resistance of a body to change its state of motion.
• What is the relationship between force and acceleration?

  Directly proportional, as per Newton's Second Law.
• What are force plates?

  Devices used to measure ground reaction forces.
• What are force plates used for in biomechanics?

  To analyze gait, balance, and sports performance.
• What type of data do force plates provide?

  Vertical, horizontal, and lateral force measurements.
• How do force plates help in sports?

  They optimize technique by providing real-time feedback.
• What principle do force plates work on?

  Newton’s Third Law (action-reaction).
• What is limb kinematics?

  The study of limb movements in terms of time and space.
• What tools are used for limb kinematic analysis?

  Motion capture systems.
• Why is limb kinematics important in sports?

  To improve performance and prevent injuries.
• What are the three planes of movement in kinematics?

  Sagittal, frontal, and transverse planes.
• What is the difference between qualitative and quantitative analysis?

  Qualitative focuses on observations, while quantitative uses numerical data.
• What is a wind tunnel?

  A controlled environment to study air flow around objects.
• What is the purpose of wind tunnels in biomechanics?

  To optimize aerodynamics in sports.
• What sports commonly use wind tunnels?

  Cycling, skiing, and Formula 1.
• What data is collected in wind tunnels?

  Drag, lift, and air resistance forces.
• How do wind tunnels improve performance?

  By minimizing drag and optimizing body position.
• What is projectile motion?

  The motion of an object through the air under the influence of gravity.
• What are the two components of projectile motion?

  Horizontal and vertical components.
• What is a parabola?

  A symmetrical curve representing the ideal flight path of a projectile.
• What causes a non-parabolic flight path?

  Air resistance and spin.
• How does angle of release affect flight path?

  It determines the height, distance, and shape of the trajectory.
• What is the optimal angle of release for maximum distance?

  45 degrees, assuming no air resistance.
• How does speed of release affect projectile motion?

  Greater speed increases the distance traveled.
• What is the role of height of release?

  A higher release point increases flight time and distance.
• What external factors influence projectile motion?

  Wind, air resistance, and gravity.
• What is terminal velocity?

  The constant speed reached when forces of gravity and air resistance are balanced.
• What is fluid mechanics?

  The study of forces acting on objects in a fluid (air or water).