Physics of Sports

Physics of Sports is a collection of computer simulations that illustrate the role played by physics principles in many popular sports. Each simulation models a particular sport with the student given full control over the relevant variables, creating a highly interactive tool to perform in-depth studies. With a high-degree of physical accuracy and versatility built into each simulation, students can explore the answer to such questions as: how is the velocity of a batted ball influenced by the mass of the bat and the contact point along the bat, how does body configuration affect the rotation of a platform diver, what is the most forgiving angle at which to shoot a basketball, or how does top-spin or back-spin affect the way a ball bounces? Developed with the goal of capturing student interest, the program contains 12 stand-alone simulations that model physics principles from a variety of sports: • Basketball • Baseball • Gymnastics • Diving • Biking • Downhill Skiing • Race Car Driving • Weight Lifting • High Jump • Hammer Throw Each simulation contains four components: (1) the experiment screen where input parameters are varied and the resulting motion is animated using colorful graphics, (2) the analysis screen where results are displayed and can be examined with the aid of graphs that are generated based upon specific input parameters, (3) a theory screen that details the physics principles and equations governing the sport, and (4) a hints screen that provides guidance with performing the investigation. Physics of Sports may be used as an instructor lead demonstration in front of the classroom, or used by students as a computer-based lab activity. The simulations serve as a fun and engaging real-life application of fundamental physics principles, integrating smoothly into introductory level physics courses.			By precisely specifying changes in the diver’s body configuration, students observe how the resulting changes in the diver’s moment of inertia determine rotation and entry into the water.
			Students explore factors that affect the velocity of a batted ball – including pitch speed, bat speed, ball mass, contact point on bat, moment of inertia of bat, and coefficient of restitution.
			Students study how such variables as pedal speed, front gear radius, rear gear radius, and incline angle influence the speed of a bike and the force and power that must be delivered to the pedal.
			By experimenting with unlimited variations in body configuration for a gymnast swinging on a bar, students explore how changing the center of mass, net torque, and moment of inertia influence the gymnast’s angular velocity.
Students take practice shots to find multiple shot-angles & launch-speeds that result in a basket, then determine those that allow for the greatest margin of error on the part of the shooter.			Analysis screen accompanying basketball simulation shown at left. Based upon inputs made on the experiment screen, a plot is generated summarizing outcomes for all shot-angle & launch-speed combinations.