Newton's Laws of Motion
What is Newton's first law called?
The Law of Inertia: an object stays at rest or in motion unless acted upon by an external force.
What is drag?
The resistive force that acts opposite to motion through air or water.
What is movement analysis used for?
To describe, evaluate, and improve technique and performance.
What is arousal?
A state of physical and psychological activation or alertness.
What is a stressor?
Any factor that causes psychological strain or pressure.
What does Newton’s Second Law explain?
The relationship between force, mass, and acceleration (F = ma).
Name one environmental factor affecting projectile motion.
Temperature, humidity, air pressure, wind, or altitude.
Name the three phases of movement.
Preparation, execution, and follow-through.
What happens to performance if arousal is too low?
The athlete may be bored or unmotivated, leading to poor performance.
Give one example of a positive stressor.
Excitement before a match or challenge that improves performance.
How could Newton’s Third Law apply in football?
When a player kicks a ball (action), the ball exerts an equal and opposite force on the player’s foot (reaction).
What is lift force?
The upward force caused by pressure differences around an object moving through a fluid.
Give a sport example of movement analysis.
A coach analyzing a sprinter’s stride or a golfer’s swing.
What happens when anxiety levels are too high?
Muscle tension, poor concentration, and reduced performance.
What is the difference between controllable and uncontrollable stressors?
Controllable stressors can be managed or changed; uncontrollable ones cannot.
What happens to momentum in a collision?
Momentum changes depending on the force and duration of impact (impulse).
Explain the Magnus Effect.
A spinning ball creates air pressure differences, producing a curve or lift in flight.
What type of feedback helps athletes improve technique?
Concurrent or terminal feedback (immediate or post-performance).
What theory shows the relationship between arousal and performance?
The Inverted-U theory (Yerkes-Dodson Law).
What coping strategy involves changing your thoughts about a situation?
Cognitive coping or reappraisal.
How is work calculated in physics and sport?
Work = Force × Distance (W = F × d).
How does Bernoulli’s Principle relate to sport?
Faster-moving air exerts less pressure, helping explain lift in balls or planes.
How can technology assist in movement analysis?
Using motion sensors, video slow-motion, and biomechanics software.
Give one strategy to manage anxiety before competition.
Deep breathing, positive self-talk, visualization, or relaxation techniques.
How can coaches help athletes manage stress effectively?
By creating a supportive environment, setting realistic goals, and providing encouragement.