The Physics of Swim
By Jacqueline Brown
What is Physics???
the
anch of science concerned with the nature and
properties of matter and energy. The subject matter of
physics, distinguished from that of chemistry and biology,
includes mechanics, heat, light and other radiation, sound,
electricity, magnetism, and the structure of atoms.
What exactly happens when you swim?
In order to float in water an object must be less dense than the water. This
difference in density causes the object to float. This happens by way of a buoyancy
force that "lifts" the object. The principle behind this lift is called Archimedes'
principle, which states that any object (regardless of its shape) that is suspended
in a fluid (such as water), is acted upon by an upward buoyant force equal to the
weight of the fluid that is displaced by the object.
What exactly happens when you’re swimming?
Buoyancy
When an object is placed in a fluid such as water, and floats as a result, the part of
the object that lies below the surface of the water displaces a water weight equal
to the weight of the object. This weight is equal to the buoyant force pushing
upward on the object. The amount that the object sinks below the water surface
co
esponds to the equili
ium point, in which the object weight is equal to the
uoyant force pushing upwards on the object
Pushing off the wall!
Force
In swimming, the force produced by the swimmer is equal to the mass of the
swimmer multiplied by the acceleration of the swimmer in the water. Newton’s
second law can explain why some people swim faster than others. If we have two
swimmers of the same weight and have them push off a wall and not take any
strokes – the one who used the most force pushing off the wall would be the
person who has travelled the furthest. Acceleration in this case was greater for
the person who produced the greater force as both swimmers had the same
mass.
Example: F = MA
https:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3-4WTRA-FY
Drag Force!
Newton's Law
the first law outlines the concept of inertia. It says that things stay still or move steadily (at the same speed) unless
something pushes or pulls them (unless some kind of a force is applied). The second and third laws are of more interest.
The second law explains the connection between force and acceleration: if you push or pull something, it starts moving (if
it was still to begin with) or goes faster (if it was moving already); the bigger the force you apply, the more acceleration you
get; the longer you apply the force, the bigger the change in momentum you can achieve.
The End.
“Physics of – “ Project
You have been assigned to present a project on either a topic that is related to physics.
● A visual presentation of some sort – can be either PowerPoint/Google Slides/Prezi with the
following information
o the topic you have chosen
o at least one equation related to your topic
o how physics and your topic are related
Grading
Your project will be graded on the following ru
ic
● 5 points - choose a topic by Friday, May 8th
● 5 points - 15 minute virtual check in with Mrs. Earley during the week of May 11th - May 15th
● 90 points - Presentation during the week of May 18th - May 21st
o XXXXXXXXXXpoints - Content - Presentation contains at least one equation. Topic is easily
elatable to physics
o XXXXXXXXXXpoints - Presentation - Presenter is not reading directly off slides. Presenter
speaks with knowledge of the topic
o XXXXXXXXXXpoints - Time - Presentation is at least 4 minutes long
o XXXXXXXXXXpoints - Design - Presentation is visually pleasing and contains pictures/diagrams.
Presentation looks neat with minimal spelling e
ors and no equation e
ors
The Physics of Swim
By Jacqueline Brown
What is Physics???
the
anch of science concerned with the nature and
properties of matter and energy. The subject matter of
physics, distinguished from that of chemistry and biology,
includes mechanics, heat, light and other radiation, sound,
electricity, magnetism, and the structure of atoms.
What exactly happens when you swim?
In order to float in water an object must be less dense than the water. This
difference in density causes the object to float. This happens by way of a buoyancy
force that "lifts" the object. The principle behind this lift is called Archimedes'
principle, which states that any object (regardless of its shape) that is suspended
in a fluid (such as water), is acted upon by an upward buoyant force equal to the
weight of the fluid that is displaced by the object.
What exactly happens when you’re swimming?
Buoyancy
When an object is placed in a fluid such as water, and floats as a result, the part of
the object that lies below the surface of the water displaces a water weight equal
to the weight of the object. This weight is equal to the buoyant force pushing
upward on the object. The amount that the object sinks below the water surface
co
esponds to the equili
ium point, in which the object weight is equal to the
uoyant force pushing upwards on the object
Pushing off the wall!
Force
In swimming, the force produced by the swimmer is equal to the mass of the
swimmer multiplied by the acceleration of the swimmer in the water. Newton’s
second law can explain why some people swim faster than others. If we have two
swimmers of the same weight and have them push off a wall and not take any
strokes – the one who used the most force pushing off the wall would be the
person who has travelled the furthest. Acceleration in this case was greater for
the person who produced the greater force as both swimmers had the same
mass.
Example: F = MA
https:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3-4WTRA-FY
Drag Force!
Newton's Law
the first law outlines the concept of inertia. It says that things stay still or move steadily (at the same speed) unless
something pushes or pulls them (unless some kind of a force is applied). The second and third laws are of more interest.
The second law explains the connection between force and acceleration: if you push or pull something, it starts moving (if
it was still to begin with) or goes faster (if it was moving already); the bigger the force you apply, the more acceleration you
get; the longer you apply the force, the bigger the change in momentum you can achieve.
The End.