Common gymnastics events can demonstrate the relationship between force and acceleration. Consider the following graphs, excerpted from The Science of Gymnastics: Volume 1 from Schottenbauer Publishing. Although both graphs demonstrate a similar phenomenon, these data were recorded on separate occasions.
Discussion Questions
- What is the maximum force in the first graph? The second graph?
- In the first graph, how long is the person in the air for each jump?
- What is the maximum acceleration in the second graph (assuming that the x axis is vertical)?
- In the first graph, where does the person begin? (a) On the floor, (b) On the force plate.
- In the first graph, where does the person end? (a) On the floor, (b) On the force plate.
- In theory, which requires more force? (a) Stretch Jump, (b) Bounding.
- In the first graph, which shows the most force? (a) Stretch Jump, (b) All Bounds, (c) Final Bound.
- In the second graph, which shows the most force? (a) Stretch Jump, (b) All Bounds, (c) Final Bound.
- In theory, which requires more acceleration? (a) Stretch Jump, (b) Bounding.
- In the second graph, which shows the most acceleration? (a) Stretch Jump, (b) All Bounds, (c) Final Bound.
- In the second graph, what is the maximum height of the bounding?
- Do these two graphs show similar technique? If not, describe the differences in words.
Additional graphs of force and acceleration, are available in the same volume, The Science of Gymnastics: Volume 1 from Schottenbauer Publishing. Similar physics data is also available in Volume 1 of several other lab manual series, including The Science of Athletic Training, The Science of Exercise Equipment, The Science of Yoga, Pilates, & Ballet, and more.
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