The Physics of the Olympics

The 4th edition of Intermediate Physics for Medicine and Biology begins in Chapter 1 with a discussion of biomechanics. Of course, biomechanics is essential for understanding the physics of sports, but Russ Hobbie and I barely even begin to consider this vast topic. With the Olympic games going on in London, I decided to provide references to several papers from my favorite journal, the American Journal of Physics, about the physics of the Olympics. Most of these, and many others, can be found in Cliff Frohlich’s excellent resource letter, which leads off the list.

• Forhlich, C. (2011) “Resource Letter PS-2: Physics of Sports,” American Journal of Physics, Volume 79, Pages 565–574.
• Tan, A. and G. Miller (1981) “Kinematics of the Free Throw in Basketball,” American Journal of Physics, Volume 49, Pages 542–544.
• Brancazio, P. J., (1981) “Physics of Basketball,” American Journal of Physics, Volume 49, Pages 356–365.
• Frohlich, C. (1979) “Do Springboard Divers Violate Angular Momentum Conservation?” American Journal of Physics, Volume 47, Pages 583–592.
• Frohlich, C. (1985) “Effect of Wind and Altitude on Record Performance in Foot Races, Pole Vault, and Long Jump,” American Journal of Physics, Volume 53, Pages 726–730.
• Eriksen, H. K., J. R. Kristiansen, O. Langangen, and I. K. Wehus (2009) “How Fast Could Usain Bolt Have Run? A Dynamical Study,” American Journal of Physics, Volume 77, Pages 224–228. 
• Helene, O. and M. T. Yamashita (2010) “The Force, Power, and Energy of the 100 Meter Sprint,” American Journal of Physics, Volume 78, Pages 307–309.
• Heck, A. and T. Ellermeijer (2009) “Giving Students the Run of Sprinting Models,” American Journal of Physics, Volume 77, Pages 1028–1038.
• Helene, O. and M. T. Yamashita (2005) “A Unified Model for the Long and High Jump,” American Journal of Physics, Volume 73, Pages 906–908.
• Frohlich, C. (1981) “Aerodynamic Effects on Discus Flight.,”American Journal of Physics, Volume 49, Pages 1125–1132.
• Lichtenberg, D. B. and J. G. Wills (1978) “Maximizing the Range of the Shot Put,” American Journal of Physics, Volume 46, Pages 546–549.
• Barrow, J. D. (2010) “Rowing and the Same-Sum Problem Have Their Moments,” American Journal of Physics, Volume 78, Pages 728–732. 

For those readers who don’t have access to the American Journal of Physics, here is a website from NBC news, developed with help from the National Science Foundation, about the science of the summer Olympics.

I saw a review of The Science of Sports: Winning in the Olympics this week from The Scientist.

Here is a nice explanation with video of the physics of the high jump on the Science Friday website.

Finally, for all of you who—like me—fell asleep last night before Gabby Douglas (the “flying squirrel”) won her individual all-around gold medal in women’s gymnastics, here is a video of her winning floor routine.

Gabrielle Douglas, London 2012 Olympics.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJqziJXiXvE