Centre Of Mass And Stability

Question 1

Define centre of mass

Answer 1

The point at which a body is balanced in all directions; the point from which weight appears to act

Question 2

Explain the Fosbury Flop technique

Answer 2

• used a j-curve to allow greater velocity in approach
• plants the outside foot to allow the inside leg to lift, along with the arms, at take off to raise the centre of mass as high as possible
• fully extends the spine to rotate around the bar moving the centre of mass outside the body and below the bar

Question 3

Factors affecting stability

Answer 3

• mass of the body (high mass = greater stability)
• height of the centre of mass (lower CoM = greater stability)
• base of support (greater size of BoS = greater stability)
• line of gravity (more central the line of gravity to the base of support the greater the stability)

Question 4

Define stability

Answer 4

The ability of the body to resist motion and remain at rest