INTRODUCTION

Physics plays a pivotal role in unravelling the mysteries behind the exhilarating
world of sports. From the precise trajectory of a basketball arc to the fluid
dynamics governing a swimmer's propulsion through water, the principles of
physics are omnipresent in athletic endeavors. Whether it's the trajectory of a
soccer ball, the aerodynamics of a golf swing, or the biomechanics of a
sprinter's stride, the marriage of physics and sports not only enhances our
understanding of athletic performance but also influences the design of
equipment and training techniques. This intersection between the laws of
motion, energy, and forces in the context of sports provides a fascinating lens
through which we can explore the science behind the seemingly effortless feats
of athleticism that captivate audiences worldwide. In this exploration, we delve
into the captivating realm of "Physics in Sports" to uncover the underlying
principles that govern athletic excellence.

Delving further into the realm of physics in sports, we encounter the nuanced
interactions between the human body and its environment. Biomechanics, a
subfield of physics, unravels the mysteries of motion, muscle forces, and joint
mechanics, shedding light on the optimal techniques for achieving peak
performance while minimizing the risk of injury. Whether it's understanding the
precise mechanics behind a figure skater's spin or the force distribution in a
weightlifter's lift, physics serves as the guiding force behind athletic excellence.

Moreover, the influence of physics extends beyond individual sports to shape

the very landscapes on which competitions unfold. Track and field events, for
instance, are intricately tied to the principles of kinematics and energy transfer.
The trajectory of a javelin, the height of a pole vault, or the speed of a sprinter
all fall under the purview of physics, influencing training regimens, coaching
strategies, and even the design of sports arenas.
BADMINTON

Badminton, a sport that combines speed, strategy, and finesse, has captured
the hearts of enthusiasts worldwide. Played with a feathered shuttlecock soaring
through the air, badminton demands quick reflexes, precise technique, and
relentless agility. Whether engaging in a spirited singles match or a dynamic
doubles rally, players experience the unique blend of athleticism and skill that
defines this exhilarating racquet sport. Badminton has evolved into a game that
not only showcases competitive prowess but also serves as a delightful
recreational activity.

Badminton is not just a thrilling display of skill and agility but also a fascinating
playground for the fundamental principles of physics.

 TRAJECTORY OF SHUTTLECOCK
Projectile motion is the motion of an object that is thrown into the air,
and is only affected by gravity. The object is called a projectile, and its
path is called its trajectory. And in this case, it is the shuttle cock which
performs the projectile.
 The shuttlecock is provided with the velocity by the force applied by the player.

The range of the shuttlecock depends upon the angle of inclination [θ] and the
horizontal component of the velocity vector [u cos θ]
2
u sin 2 θ
Range (R) =
g

The Height also varies with angle of inclination.

The more the angle, the higher the shuttlecock

2 2
u sin θ
goes. Height (H) =
2g

 DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PLASTIC & FEATHER SHUTTLECOCKS

Trajectories mainly differ because of the difference in aerodynamic
Feathered Trajectory -
Plastic Trajectory - length between the two projectiles, a difference itself due to the
larger mass of a plastic shuttlecock compared to a feathered one.
It is practically not very easy to reduce the mass of a plastic
projectile while keeping its robustness and price unchanged, which
explains why the two masses are different. Experienced players
prefer to play with a fragile feathered shuttlecock than with a
cheaper and more resistant plastic one. This can be understood by
the fact that feathered projectiles may have faster initial velocities
without exiting the court, owing to their smaller aerodynamic
length. Using feathered shuttlecocks, a player can hit a smash at a
higher speed, which allows less time for the opponent to react.
 HOW DOES THE RACKET AFFECTS THE TRAJECTORY?
Yes, the quality of a badminton racket can significantly affect the
trajectory of the shuttlecock. The tension of the strings on the racket plays
a crucial role. Higher string tension generally provides more control but
may sacrifice power. Lower tension can give more power but may reduce
precision. The right tension depends on the player's style and
preferences. The weight and balance point of the racket influence how
easily it can be maneuvered. Lighter rackets are generally easier to
control and maneuver quickly, while heavier rackets can provide more
power. The balance point (head-heavy or head-light) affects the feel of
the racket during play.
BASKETBALL
Basketball, a sport that echoes with the rhythmic bounce of the ball and the
symphony of squeaking sneakers on the hardwood, stands as a global
testament to athleticism and teamwork. Played on a rectangular court with the
goal of sinking a ball through the opponent's hoop, basketball is a fast-paced
game that combines skill, strategy, and sheer physical prowess. From the swift
dribbles to the graceful arcs of three-point shots, each moment on the court is
a testament to the dynamic interplay of teamwork, strategy, and individual flair.
Join us in exploring the world of basketball, where the slam dunks, intricate
plays, and buzzer-beaters create a captivating spectacle that transcends
borders and unites fans in the celebration of the sport's electrifying energy.

Badminton is not just a thrilling display of skill and agility but also a fascinating
playground for the fundamental principles of physics.

 HANG TIME
Jumping is a major component in the physics behind basketball. When a
basketball player jumps in the air to make a shot he can appear to be
suspended in mid-air during the high point of the jump. This is a
consequence of projectile motion. When an object is thrown in the air it
will spend a large percentage of time in the top part of the throw.
The higher the player jumps the greater the hang time (the total time he
is airborne), and the greater the time he will appear suspended in mid-air
during the high point of the jump. Typically, there is a horizontal and
vertical component in the jump velocity at take-off. The magnitude of the
vertical component of the velocity at take-off will determine the time the
player spends airborne (since gravity acts in the vertical direction and will
act on the player to bring him back down). Thus, the vertical component
of velocity, after take-off, will change with time. The horizontal
 component of velocity remains constant throughout the jump since it is
not affected by gravity.

Half the hang time is spent in the bottom 75% of the jump. The
remaining time is spent in the top of the jump (the top 25% of the jump).
In other words, half the jump time is spent in the highest 25% of the jump
(the top part of the arc). This explains why a basketball player appears to
"hang" during the jump.

 BACK SPIN
A ball shot with backspin loses more energy on its bounce, which makes it
more likely to bounce into the basket.
Basketball players are trained to shoot from their fingertips, not from
their palms. This makes the ball easier to grip, but more importantly, a
shot from the fingertips is automatically launched with backspin. A law of
physics known as the conservation of angular momentum ensures that
the ball will keep spinning at the same rate once it leaves the player's
hands.

The motion of the ball is now the sum of two different motions - the
speed with which the center of the ball is flying through the air, and the
spinning motion around this center. Adding those together, we find that
the bottom of the ball is now moving faster than before.

This time, when the bottom of the ball strikes the rim, the collision
occurs with greater speed than before. The ball experiences more
friction, resulting in a greater loss of energy, and slowing the ball down
more than before. From the player's perspective, a slower ball near the
hoop is a good thing, because it's more likely to bounce into the hoop.
SWIMMING
Swimming, a sport as ancient as it is timeless, invites athletes to embrace the
fluidity of water and embark on a journey where strength, technique, and
endurance converge. From the rhythmic strokes in an Olympic-sized pool to
the open-water challenges of vast seas, swimming encompasses a spectrum of
disciplines. As swimmers propel themselves through the water, the interplay of
hydrodynamics, breath control, and muscular coordination becomes a
captivating dance. Whether for competition, recreation, or the therapeutic
embrace of water, swimming transcends its utilitarian origins, offering a
profound connection between the individual and the elemental force that
surrounds them. Join us as we dive into the world of swimming, where the
shimmering blue expanse becomes a canvas for athleticism, resilience, and the
joy of navigating the aqueous realm.

Skating is not just a thrilling display of skill and agility but also a fascinating
playground for the fundamental principles of physics.

 NEWTON’S LAW AND SWIMMING

Where swimming is concerned, the third law is perhaps the most
important. It says that when you apply a force to an object, the object
returns the favor and applies an equal force to you—in the opposite
direction. This law is often called action and reaction. if you want to
swim forward through water, you have to pull water backward with your
hands. If you want your body to stay up, floating on the surface, you
need to kick down with your legs. If you're swimming along and you want
to stop suddenly and stand up, you can pull your hands down in front of
and your legs will swing down behind you, so you land in an upright
position on your feet.
 DRAG
Minimizing the amount of drag in the helps the swimmer swim faster and
for longer, using the minimum amount of energy in the process. Drag is
the resistance that water exerts on your body as you move through it.
There are two phases of drag, known as passive drag and active drag.
Passive drag is the resistance a swimmer meets while swimming forward.
Active drag is the resistance a swimmer exerts.

There are three main types of water resistance that affect swimmers:
 Form resistance: the water resistance is dependent on your body position
 Wave resistance: the resistance caused by turbulence at the water surface
 Friction resistance: the resistance caused by contact of skin and hair in
water

Many swimmers turn to things like swimsuits

and caps in order to reduce drag. fast suits
are meant to cut down passive drag and
make the water pushing past the swimmer's
body travel more smoothly . They compress
and streamline the swimmer's body, while
allowing the muscles to work more efficiently.
They also have "internal core stabilizers" that
help swimmers stay in the best body position
even as they become tired. Caps are also
known to help with drag reduction. Most
swimmers wear caps to reduce friction and
resistance, making a smoother surface on
their heads.

In addition to swimsuits and caps, swimmers can

also reduce drag by having better technique. For
example, streamlining can have a significant
effect on drag reduction. According to scientific research and data,
streamlining helps minimize the surface area travelling through water,
which increases speed.

Swimmers aim to be buoyant and try to keep close to the surface. The
water at the surface of water is less resistant than the water below. To
maintain their buoyancy, swimmers keep their hips and shoulders level by
slightly pressing their upper body down. The upper body is naturally
more buoyant than the lower, because pressure spreads out more thinly
on it due to its greater surface area. By being more buoyant, swimmers
can swim on the surface of the water, thus swimming through less
resistant water.