PE Biomechanics

Motion

Movement of an object or body.

Force

A push or pull on an object, calculated as Force = Mass × Acceleration (F = ma).

Weight

Force due to gravity acting on mass, defined as Weight = Mass × Gravity (W = mg).

Friction

Resistance between two surfaces that helps control movement and prevent slipping.

Gravity

The force pulling objects toward Earth, with an acceleration of 9.8 m/s².

Inertia

An object’s resistance to change in motion.

Momentum

The quantity of motion an object has, calculated as Momentum = Mass × Velocity (p = mv).

Impulse

Change in momentum due to force over time, defined as Impulse = Force × Time.

Newton's First Law

An object stays at rest or in motion unless acted upon by an external force.

Newton's Second Law

Force equals mass times acceleration, represented by the equation F = ma.

Newton's Third Law

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

Conservation of Momentum

Total momentum remains the same unless acted upon by an external force.

Summation of Momentum

Sequential movement of body parts to maximize force.

Torque

Rotational force around an axis, calculated as Torque = Force × Distance from Axis.

Conservation of Angular Motion

Angular momentum stays constant unless acted upon.

Linear and Angular Distance

Distance covered in a straight or curved path.

Linear and Angular Displacement

Change in position from start to finish.

Acceleration

The rate of change of velocity, calculated as Acceleration = Change in Velocity / Time.

Projectile Motion

The curved path of an object in the air.

Height of Release

Initial height an object is released from.

Speed of Release

The speed at which an object is launched.

Angle of Release

The angle at which an object is launched.

Relative Height of Release

Difference between release and landing height.

Equilibrium

A state of balance.

1st Class Lever

Fulcrum is between effort and load.

2nd Class Lever

Load is between fulcrum and effort.

3rd Class Lever

Effort is between fulcrum and load.

Mechanical Advantage (>1)

When effort force is less than load force.

Mechanical Disadvantage (<1)

When effort force is greater than load force.