Biomechanics Exam 2 Class Notes

what is linear motion?

motion of an athlete or object in a straight line. If all parts of the object move in the same direction at the same speed, this motion is called translation.

how is linear motion typically described?

using velocity, acceleration, distance, and displacement

example of linear motion

60 m dash and 100 m dash

speed

scalar, distance (d)/time (t), zero or positive only 

scalar

magnitude (number associated with speed)

example of a scalar measurement

5 mph

velocity

vector, displacement (x)/time (t), negative, zero, or positive

vector

magnitude and direction

example of vector

SW, up positive, right, back 5 yards

distance

total path traveled 

displacement

shortest distance between two points