Download Super Bowl Physics Super Bowl Physics

Super Bo wl P hysics
Newton’s Second Law (F = ma)
Background Information
Later this year you will be learning about physics in
science class. There are many types of physics. You
will be learning about the physics of motion, which
includes Newton’s Laws of Motion, and terms like
force, mass, acceleration, inertia, friction, velocity, etc… Remember the fieldtrip at the
beginning of the year (see picture). The entire FMA show was all about physics.
All sports, including football are excellent examples of this type of physics. After you learn
a little about Newton’s second law, you will apply it to several collisions that occurred in
the NFL in recent years.
Your Task
1. Read the attached article
2. Learn a little about Newton’s Second Law from the information below.
3. Do calculations
4. Turn in to Mr. Bierly
Newton’s Second Law states that forces is equal to mass times acceleration (F = ma)
FORCE
• F = force
• A force is simply a push or pull.
• Forces are measured in Newtons (N) or pounds (lb).
MASS
• m = mass
• Mass is the amount of matter in an object. It is not the size of an object.
• Mass is not weight. Astronauts in space weigh less because gravity does not pull on
them as hard. Their mass however, does not change
• Mass is measured in kilograms (kg)
ACCELERATION
• a = acceleration
• Acceleration is a change in speed (speeding up AND slowing down)
• Acceleration is measured in meters per second per second (m/s/s).
• Example: If your acceleration was 10 m/s/s, your speed is changing 10 meters per
second every second. So, after one second your speed will be 10 m/s. After two
seconds 20 m/s, after three seconds 30 m/s, etc…
Newton’s Second Law in Action
F = ma
In football two factors affect how much force a player can generate, ma s s an d a cc elera tio n.
Compare the two following situations:
1. A safety with a mass of 90 kg (200 lbs) hits a wide receiver jumping vertically to catch a
pass with an acceleration of 4 m/s/s. How much force is generated in this collision?
__________________ Newtons
__________________ Pounds (multiply Newtons by 4.45)
2. A lineman with a mass of 145 kg (320 lbs) hits a running back, which causes an acceleration
of 1.5 m/s/s. How much force is generated in this collision?
__________________ Newtons
__________________ Pounds (multiply Newtons by 4.45)
Which player generated more force? ___________________________
Why is it that big and fast players generate the most force?