Quick questions on Biomechanical principles and analysis: VCE Physical Education Unit 3 AoS 1

Newton's first law (inertia). A body continues in its state of motion unless acted on by an unbalanced force. Applications: a stationary sprinter needs a large force from the blocks to overcome inertia; a falling diver continues rotating until the water stops them.

The body's bones-and-joints form three classes of lever:

A projectile in the air follows a parabolic path under gravity alone (ignoring air resistance, which matters for some sports). The path is determined by three release factors:

A body continues in its state of motion unless acted on by an unbalanced force. Applications: a stationary sprinter needs a large force from the blocks to overcome inertia; a falling diver continues rotating until the water stops them.

Acceleration is directly proportional to net force and inversely proportional to mass. Applications: a heavier shot put needs more force to reach the same release velocity; a stronger athlete can accelerate the same shot put faster.

For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. Applications: a sprinter pushes back and down on the ground (action), and the ground pushes them forward and up (reaction, ground reaction force). A swimmer pushes water backward; the water pushes the swimmer forward.

Apply Newton's third law to explain how a swimmer generates forward propulsion. [3 marks]

A javelin thrower releases the spear at 25 m/s at an angle of 35 degrees. Identify two biomechanical factors that would change if the thrower achieved a release speed of 30 m/s while maintaining the same release angle. [4 marks]

A coach observes a basketballer whose free-throw shot is consistently short. Use two biomechanical principles to recommend technique changes. [5 marks]