Do It Better
The final task of Freshman STEM Physics and Engineering was one which came back full circle. We were allowed to choose our own groups, then pick a previous project to do again (better, of course). My group decided to do the Physics of Sports Video again, this time with a focus on Ping Pong. We wanted to have stronger theming within the video, as well as making it generally more cinematic.
Evidence of Work
The Video
Here is the Physics of Sports Video itself. It is themed, and based off of an 80s Instructional video.
The Calculations
The primary goal for t his project was to explain the physics behind some key concepts, such as Force of Impact, Total Velocity, and Rotational Inertia.
Content and Physics
Force of Impact:
Definition: The force generated when objects meet
Equation: F=ma
Unit: Newtons (N)
Use in Project: Force of Impact was used to calculate the force of the paddle hitting the ball on the Simple Serve.
Horizontal Velocity:
Definition: The speed in which something is moving in a horizontal direction
Equation: Vh=Dh/t
Unit: meters per second (m/s)
Use in Project: Horizontal velocity was used to help calculate the total velocity of the Kill Shot.
Vertical Velocity:
Definition: The speed in which something is moving in a vertical direction
Equation: Vv=at
Unit: meters per second (m/s)
Use in Project: Vertical velocity was used to help calculate the total velocity of the Kill Shot.
Total Velocity:
Definition: The speed in which something is moving in both horizontal and vertical directions
Equation: Vh^2*Vv^2=Vt^2
Unit: meters per second (m/s)
Use in Project: We calculated the total velocity of the ball which was used to hit my face during the Kill Shot.
Rotational Inertia:
Definition: a property of any object which can be rotated; a scalar value which tells us how difficult it is to change the rotational velocity of the object
Equation: τ = m(r^2)
Unit: Joules (J)
Use in Project: The Rotational Inertia of the ball during the Side Spin was calculated in our project.
The Magnus Effect:
Definition: the force exerted on a rapidly spinning cylinder or sphere moving through air or another fluid in a direction at an angle to the axis of spin; responsible for the swerving of balls when hit or thrown with spin
Use in Project: The Magnus Effect was also looked at during the Side Spin. It allowed for better explanation of what exactly was going on during the shot.