stability

Question 1

what is mass ?

Answer 1

the quantity of matter a body possess. (Kg and is scalar)

Question 2

what is weight ?

Answer 2

the force of gravity exerted on a mass (N and vector)

Question 3

4 biomechanical factors which effect stability

Answer 3

• height of centre of mass (changes)
• position of line of gravity (changes)
• area of base of support (changes)
• mass of the performer (doesnt change)

Question 4

whats centre of mass and how does it effect stability?

Answer 4

centre of mass is the point of balance within a body.
- it is constantly changing position because the body is moving
- a high centre of mass decreases stability

Question 5

what is line of gravity and how does it affect stability?

Answer 5

line of gravity is the imaginary line extending vertically downwards from the centre of mass.
- Stability is greater when the line of gravity is kept over the base of support.

Question 6

what is the base of support and how does it affect stability?

Answer 6

Base of support is determined by the number of contact points with the ground.
- the larger the area of base of support the greater the stability

Question 7

whats the mass of performer and how does it affect stability?

Answer 7

mass is the amount of matter in an object/body. It doesnt change during performance so is only relevant when comparing athletes.

Question 8

how does a sprinter benefit their start using stabiliy ?

Answer 8

athlete leans forward to push their line of gravity at the edge of the base of support. When they start running they will become off balance creating momentum for a fast start.