Class 12th CBSE
Chapter – 8 BIOMECHANICS & SPORTS
Overview
Biomechanics is the study of movement in living beings, focusing on how muscles, bones, tendons, and ligaments work together. This science plays a key role in understanding and improving sports performance.
Key topics include:
Newton’s Laws of Motion and their application.
Types of levers in the human body.
Concepts of equilibrium, center of gravity, and stability.
Friction and its impact on sports.
Projectile motion and its relevance in sports.
Newton’s Laws of Motion
1. First Law (Law of Inertia)
- A body remains at rest or moves in a straight line at a constant speed unless acted upon by an external force.
Example in Sports
- A hockey puck stops due to friction or a player’s stick.
- A soccer ball remains in motion until a player or the net stops it.
2. Second Law (Law of Acceleration)
- The acceleration of an object depends on its mass and the force applied. Mathematically: F = m × a.
Example in Sports
- The greater the force applied to a shot put, the farther it travels.
- A discus accelerates faster if a stronger force is applied.
3. Third Law (Law of Action-Reaction)
- For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
Example in sport
- In swimming, pushing down on the diving board propels the diver upwards.
- When kicking a soccer ball, the ball exerts an equal and opposite force on the leg.
Types of Levers in Sports
A lever consists of a fulcrum (pivot), effort (force applied), and load (object moved). The three classes of levers are:
1. First-Class Lever
- Fulcrum is between the effort and the load.
Example
- Triceps extending the elbow.
- Neck movement (e.g., nodding).
2. Second-Class Lever
- Load is between the effort and the fulcrum.
Example
- Standing on tiptoes (fulcrum: ball of the foot; load: body weight).
- Push-ups.
3. Third-Class Lever
- Effort is between the load and the fulcrum.
Example
- Bicep curls.
- Kicking a ball.
Equilibrium in Sports
- Equilibrium refers to a state of balance. It can be:
- Static: When the body is stationary (e.g., a wrestler maintaining a stance).
- Dynamic: When the body is in motion but balanced (e.g., a sprinter running).
Factors Increasing Stability
- Lower center of gravity.
- Wider base of support.
- Increased body weight.
- Aligning the center of gravity with the expected force direction.
Application
- Wrestlers lower their body to resist being toppled.
- Gymnasts use their arms to maintain balance on a beam.
Friction in Sports
- Friction is a force that opposes motion. It is essential in sports to maintain grip and control.
Types of Friction
1. Static Friction :- Prevents movement (e.g., grip on a racket).
2. Kinetic Friction
- Sliding Friction: (e.g., skating on ice).
- Rolling Friction: (e.g., a basketball rolling on the court).
3.Fluid Friction :- Resistance through air or water (e.g., swimming or cycling).
Advantages
- Helps athletes maintain control (e.g., running, gymnastics).
- Provides grip for equipment (e.g., tennis rackets, cricket bats).
Disadvantage
- Causes wear and tear (e.g., shoes, balls).
- Generates heat, which can damage surfaces or equipment.
Projectile Motion in Sports
- A projectile is any object in motion influenced by gravity and air resistance. Its path is parabolic.
Factors Affecting Trajectory
- Gravity: Pulls the object downward.
- Air Resistance: Slows the object.
- Speed of Release: Faster releases result in greater distances.
- Angle of Release: Optimal angles vary by sport (e.g., 45° for long throws).
- Height of Release: Higher release points improve distance.
- Spin: Impacts trajectory and direction (e.g., topspin in tennis).
Examples in Sports
- A basketball shot involves determining the correct angle and force.
- Javelin throw combines speed, angle, and height of release for maximum distance.
Applications in Sports
- Basketball: Players optimize angle and force for accurate shots.
- Baseball: Spin and release angle affect ball trajectory.
- Gymnastics: Balance and stability are essential for beam routines.
- Football: Friction helps players maintain control while running or dribbling.
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