Introduction
Track and field is a set of games in various levels that includes games such as long distance running, sprint, javelin throw and shot put. The history of these games is believed to have originated from Greece (Weebly). In these games, there are several concepts of physics that are applied with the most notable ones being speed, force, kinetic/potential energy, acceleration, friction and momentum.
Speed
This can be defined as the act of moving fast or in a swift manner. The equation is given by Speed = Distance travelled/Time. If one is running on a track during a competition, it is important for him/her to run faster than the opponent since it is the speed or the order of completion that is being considered. Speed is also essential in competitions such as Javelin throw or discus. It is speed that will also determine how far a person or an object will travel.
Force
Force can be defined as a push or pull. In events taking place in track and fields, force is very important. This is because it is applied in sports such as discus, javelin throw as well as long jump. When it comes to javelin throw, there should be a proper amount of force that is applied in order to send the javelin in the required direction using a proper speed in order to outdo the competition. This is also applied in high jump, discus, and shot put among other sports of that nature. The equation that determines force is
Force = Mass * Acceleration
This implies that if a an athlete throws a discus that weighs 5 Kg at a speed of 20 meters per second then the force of 100 Newton will have been applied.
Kinetic/Potential Energy
Kinetic energy is the energy an object has while in motion while potential energy is the energy that is stored by a stationary object. In tracks, potential energy can be seen just before the athletes receives a signal to run in a sprint race. It can also be seen just before an athlete throws shot put. The point where they are just about to be set on motion is the point where potential energy is at its highest. Immediately the sprinters or the Shot put has been set in motion, they change into kinetic energy and this energy rises fast. This kinetic energy reaches its maximum in the middle of the race, after that, the runner or the shot put begins to slow down and the potential energy begins to fill once again.
Pole vault is also another area where this form of energy is evident. When vaulters are in action, they sprint in the runway for a moment and then use the pole to propel themselves over a bar without touching it. During this run, the runner puts his/her body in kinetic energy (Brookfields Public Schools). This work is usually equal to the work that is to be done if the body were to be brought to rest. It is this work that propels the vaulter upwards.
Acceleration
Acceleration is the increase of speed of an object. In every sport, acceleration plays an important role. This is because it is acceleration that determines whether an athlete will beat his/her opponents. For instance, sprinters have to accelerate faster in order to pass or beat other athletes. This also applies when throwing objects in the competition. If a javelin thrower throws the javelin with a high acceleration, it is bound to go further thus increasing the chances of him/her winning the competition.
Friction
Friction is that force that drags an object that is sliding on a given surface. It is this friction that stops vehicles from sliding on a slippery surface. If a surface lacks any form of friction, then a person would continue to move with a constant speed forever or when acted upon by a force that balances it. In tracks, a sprinter needs friction on the track in order to accelerate or slow down at the end of the race (Allain). On the other hand, it is friction that hinders the sprinter from attaining his/her full potential of sprinting. If friction was absent, then the runner would be able to run fast but would have trouble accelerating or stopping.
Momentum
Momentum is the product of mass and speed. In races with hurdles, athletes should race their lead legs with the opposite arm. They achieve this through thrusting forward their arms and the leg that is behind will increase speed due to momentum that is contained on the arm. Stutter stepping is usually a problem for new hurdlers. It is because of the stutter-steps or small steps that they take while approaching the hurdles, that they will lose their momentum (Brookfields Public Schools). As a consequence of this, the will have a slow take off speed after they land and thus they will be placed in a disadvantaged position. Momentum also comes into play when the hurdler has just passed the hurdle, the trailing leg is high and behind thus there is an effect of downhill when the leg swings forward thus momentum is increased.
In conclusion, there is a lot of physics that is applied in track and field. The performance of athletes in track and field will always be improved if they study physics well and understand it. They will most likely get a good performance with a good understanding.
Works Cited
Allain, Rhett. Olympic Physics: Can Runners Benefit From Drafting? Wired Business. Aug 7, 2012. Web. May 25, 2016. <http://www.wired.com/2012/08/olympics-physics-drafting-1500-meters/>
Brookfields Public Schools. The Physics of Track & Field. Google.com. N.d. Web. May 25, 2016. <https://sites.google.com/a/student.brookfieldps.org/physics-of-track-field/pole-vault>
Track and Field Physics. Weebly. N.d. Web. May 25, 2016. <http://trackandfieldphysics.weebly.com/index.html>
