The Physics of Football
explanatory Essay
1413 words
The Physics of Football
The American Physical Society published an article in January stating that on November 15 th, 1999, on ABC World News Tonight with Peter Jennings, Timothy Gay, professor of physics at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, stated “Football is a manifestation of physics and it’s something people can relate to. It’s physics in action. My main hope is that somehow I’ll turn some kid onto physics or science in general.”(1) Mr. Gay could not have made a more correct statement. Football encompasses many qualities that are deeply seeded in the study of physics. These areas range from the building of the stadium to the wobbly “duck” thrown to a receiver at full speed to the sudden impact of two men running at each other full speed. Physics is found in every aspect of the game.
Before the game ever begins, there must be a place where it can be played. This place also requires a place for the spectators to watch the game. The structure that will accommodate the fans involves some of the basics of physics. Simply put, the structure must be able to fulfill two requirements. First it must be structurally sound. Second it must support the weight of the spectators. These are both overcome and answered by knowing about forces. The building must be able to withstand the forces exerted on it by the weather or possibly earthquakes as well as the force caused by the gravitational pull of the earth on the spectators. The textbook Physics: A World View (2) explains to us that the structure is exerting a force vertically upward equal to that of the gravity downward, causing the spectator to be able to stand still.
Throwing the football is not as simple as it looks. The beautiful spiral usually seen is the result of ma...
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...ir chance at least to the smaller players.
From the building of the stadium to the perfect pass to the air ballet created when a runner’s feet are knocked out from under him, physics is everywhere on the football field. There is no escaping it. Football provides a perfect opportunity for us to learn about physics and the laws that govern things around us every minute of every day.
Works Cited
1. American Physical Society. 2000. www.aps.com. 27 Apr. 2003 <http://www.aps.org/apsnews/0100/010004/html>.
2. Kirkpatrick, Larry D. and Wheeler, Gerald F. Fourth Edition Physics: A World View. Copyright 2001. Harcourt College Publishers.
3. Gundersen, P. Erik. The Handy Physics Answer Book. Copyright 1999. Visible Ink Press.
4. Freudenrich, Ph.D. Craig C. Howstuffworks.com. 26 Apr. 2003 <http://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/physics-of-football.htm>.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that football is a manifestation of physics and it's something people can relate to.
- Explains that the structure that will accommodate the fans must be structurally sound and support the weight of the spectators.
- Explains that throwing the football is not as simple as it looks. the beautiful spiral is the result of many factors being figured out in the head of a quarterback.
- Explains that an object in motion is subject to many forces such as velocity, gravity, air resistance, angle, and torque.
- Explains that physics is everywhere during a football game. when the ball is followed, the running back accelerates forward. the friction between the foot and the ground causes two forces to change directions.
- Explains that football collisions are found on the line of scrimmage and in tackles. the center of mass is the key to gain an advantage.
- Explains that football provides a perfect opportunity for us to learn about physics and the laws that govern things around us.
- Cites the american physical society, kirkpatrick, larry d., and wheeler, gerald f. fourth edition physics: a world view. gundersen, erik. the handy physics answer book.
Related
- opinion
- explanatory
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- Physics is Everywhere Essayopinion essayAs Fall comes to a close and winter is upon us we can take an opportunity to reflect. Fall is the season of many events. For some it is the turning of the leaves that make it so memorable. For students, the excitement of a new school year and what that brings is always on the mind. Also on the mind of students, and professional fans alike, is the exhilaration and anticipation of a new season on the gridiron. This past fall I had the unique chance to document this exhilaration in a different manner. I chose to view the game of football through the eyes of science, physical science in particular. And with my own eyes, I will never view a football game in quite the same way again. Dr. Timothy Gay, a professor of physics at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln said, “Football is a manifestation of physics and it’s something people can relate to. It’s physics in action” (http://physics.unl.edu/outreach/football.html). Dr. Gay is right!
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