The Physics Behind Sprinting
Forces Acted on the Sprinter:
Ground Reaction Force: Reaction force of the ground acting on the sprinter when their foot interacts with the ground. 1. Newton’s 3rd Law (Law of Action-Reaction): For every applied force there is an equal and opposite force. When the sprinter’s feet presses onto the track, the track applies an equal and opposite force on the leg of the sprinter, thereby allowing the athlete to move forward. 2. Frictional Force: The frictional force is a force that acts in the opposite direction of the runner, thereby opposing their motion. It occurs when the track and sprinter’s feet interact and the normal force between them. Gravity: Gravity can be an advantage of disadvantage to the sprinter’s performance. Although gravity causes friction between the track and the sprinter’s feet, sprinters have adapted to use gravity as an advantage. To do this, the sprinter leans forward. This allows gravity to work with them as leaning causes gravity to pull the sprinter forward, and make motion of the legs easier as well. By leaning from the ankles and not the waist, sprinters are able to run faster and more easily. Other Theories of Sprinting: |
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Bibliography:
Bibliography:
- Wikispaces (2010). Physics Behind Sprinting. Retrieved March 6, 2013 from 2010smtpsec3.wikispaces.com/file/view/Physics+behind+sprinting.docx