BMS1031 Lecture 5: Principles of Biomechanics

Flashcards about forces, torques, levers, and joints in the human body based on lecture notes.

What is the SI unit of Force?

The Newton, N. 1 N = 1 kg m/s^2

What is weight related to?

Weight is the magnitude of gravitational force.

What is Newton's First Law also known as?

The law of inertia.

According to Newton's Second Law, what is acceleration directly proportional to?

The net force on the object.

According to Newton's Second Law, what is acceleration inversely proportional to?

The object's mass.

What does Newton's Third Law state?

For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

What is required for an object to be in equilibrium?

The net force and the net torque must be zero.

What is torque?

Torque is the application of a force that causes rotation; t = L F where L is the perpendicular distance from the line of action of the force to the axis or pivot point (L is also called the lever arm).

What is the unit of torque?

N m (Newton-meter)

What is the condition for rotational equilibrium?

Zero net torque, St = 0.

What do levers in the body allow fingers and feet to do?

Move further and faster