1.3.a. Biomechanical principles, levers and the use of technology

Biomechanical principles

Levers

Analysing movement through
the use of technology

limb kinematics

definition

uses

force plates

definition

uses

wind tunnels

definition

uses

how may it be used to optimise performance
in sport

Define and apply Newton’s laws of motion

Newton’s first law: inertia

Newton’s second law: acceleration

Newton’s third law: reaction

Force

net force

balanced and unbalanced force

weight

reaction

friction

air resistance

factors affecting friction and air resistance and their
manipulation in sporting performance

free body diagrams showing vertical and horizontal forces
acting on a body at an instant in time and the resulting motion

calculations of force, momentum, acceleration and weight

factors affecting the position of the centre of mass

the relationship between centre of mass and stability

definition of centre of mass

components of a lever system

load

effort

fulcrum

effort arm

load arm

1st class lever

2nd class lever

3rd class lever

mechanical advantage of a 2nd class lever