In approaching the subject of Sporting Science, we will first introduce laws and definitions from the field of physics that will accompany us throughout. In discussing a body in motion--be it an object, or a living being--we will examine the forces that act upon it, the amount of energy needed for this motion, what determines the direction of the motion, and so on. Most of the basic physical definitions required, are drawn from the field of mechanics. Mechanics deals with the motion of bodies and they way(s) in which they are affected by forces that act upon them. .
We will also address phenomena pertaining to heat and temperature.
Let us begin.
Newton's Laws (of Motion).
The displacement, velocity and acceleration of a body provide information about its motion. We will now consider the cause of the motion. .
A body will begin to move when it is either pushed or pulled, that is, when it is under to the influence of a force. Although there are many types of forces in nature, their influence can be accurately described by referring to three general laws of motion. These laws were first formulated by the scientist Sir Isaac Newton (1642-1772). Newton developed the laws of motion and formulated the mathematical expression of the gravitational force between two bodies.
For a very long time, Newton's laws formed the basis of our understanding of mechanics. Scientists who followed in his footsteps, also discovered that the experimental results of their studies of various phenomena, perfectly complemented Newton's theoretical formulations.
In the twentieth century, scientists have shown, however, that Newtonian laws do not pertain to forces that influence small particles, such as atoms and electrons, in bodies moving at very high speeds that approximate the speed of light (3108 meters per second). Nevertheless, Newton's laws provide a very accurate scientific framework for analyzing the results of experiments dealing with bodies and velocities related to daily life.