PE Biomechanics

Motion

Movement of an object or body.

N/A

A runner sprinting.

Affects speed, direction, and control.

Force

A push or pull on an object.

Force = Mass × Acceleration (F = ma)

Kicking a soccer ball.

Increases speed and power of movements.

Weight

Force due to gravity acting on mass.

Weight = Mass × Gravity (W = mg)

A weightlifter lifting a barbell.

Influences stability and balance.

Friction

Resistance between two surfaces.

N/A

Shoes gripping the ground.

Helps control movement and prevent slipping.

Gravity

The force pulling objects toward Earth.

9.8 m/s² acceleration

A gymnast landing on a mat.

Affects jumping, falling, and stability.

Inertia

An object’s resistance to change in motion.

N/A

A cyclist coasting after stopping pedaling.

Determines effort needed to start or stop movement.

Momentum

The quantity of motion an object has.

Momentum = Mass × Velocity (p = mv)

A football player running.

More momentum makes stopping or changing direction harder.

Impulse

Change in momentum due to force over time.

Impulse = Force × Time

A baseball bat hitting a ball.

Longer force application increases momentum.

Newton's First Law

An object stays at rest or in motion unless acted upon.

N/A

A ball rolling until friction stops it.

Explains why movement continues or stops.

Newton's Second Law

Force equals mass times acceleration.

F = ma

A heavier shot put requires more force.

More force results in faster acceleration.

Newton's Third Law

Every action has an equal and opposite reaction.

N/A

Jumping off the ground.

Creates movement in the opposite direction.

Conservation of Momentum

Total momentum remains the same unless acted upon.

N/A

A moving car transferring force in a crash.

Helps understand movement transfers in sports.

Summation of Momentum

Sequential movement of body parts to maximize force.

N/A

A golfer swinging a club.

Generates maximum force for powerful movements.

Torque

Rotational force around an axis.

Torque = Force × Distance from Axis

A diver twisting mid-air.

Affects rotation and turning ability.

Conservation of Angular Motion

Angular momentum stays constant unless acted upon.

N/A

A figure skater spinning.

Helps control spin speed and movement.

Linear and Angular Distance

Distance covered in a straight or curved path.

N/A

A sprinter vs. a gymnast flipping.

Determines how far an object or athlete moves.

Linear and Angular Displacement

Change in position from start to finish.

N/A

A basketball player moving from one side of the court to the other.

Important for efficiency in movement.

Acceleration

The rate of change of velocity.

Acceleration = Change in Velocity / Time

A car speeding up.

Determines how quickly an athlete can reach top speed.

Projectile Motion

The curved path of an object in the air.

N/A

A basketball shot.

Helps optimize throwing, jumping, and striking.

Height of Release

Initial height an object is released from.

N/A

A high jumper.

Higher release points can improve performance.

Speed of Release

The speed at which an object is launched.

N/A

A javelin throw.

Faster speed increases distance traveled.

Angle of Release

The angle at which an object is launched.

N/A

A soccer player taking a free kick.

Determines trajectory and distance.

Relative Height of Release

Difference between release and landing height.

N/A

A diver jumping off a platform.

Affects how far and high an object travels.

Equilibrium

A state of balance.

N/A

A gymnast on a balance beam.

Helps maintain stability and control.

1st Class Lever

Fulcrum between effort and load.

N/A

A seesaw.

Can increase force or speed depending on position.

2nd Class Lever

Load between fulcrum and effort.

N/A

A wheelbarrow.

Provides a mechanical advantage.

3rd Class Lever

Effort between fulcrum and load.

N/A

A baseball bat swing.

Maximizes speed and control.

Mechanical Advantage (>1)

When effort force is less than load force.

N/A

A bottle opener.

Increases efficiency and reduces effort.

Mechanical Disadvantage (<1)

When effort force is greater than load force.

N/A

A broom sweeping.

Increases speed and movement range.