CH-8 BIOMECHANICS AND SPORTS

IMPORTANT QUESTIONS
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) (1 MARK)
1. What type of lever has the load resistance between the fulcrum and the force ?

(A) First class lever (B) Second class lever

(C) Both (A) and (B) (D) Third class lever

2. “The golf ball remains at rest until it is struck by a golf club.” This statement indicates

(A) Law of Inertia (B) Law of Acceleration

(C) Law of Gravity (D) Law of Reaction

3. Identify the factor that decreases equilibrium.

(A) Larger base (B) Greater weight

(C) Lower centre of gravity (D) Higher centre of gravity

4. Which of the following is NOT the factor affecting projectile trajectory?

(A) Gravity (B) Angle of release

(C) Buoyant Force (D) Air Resistance

5. Centre of gravity is the average location of an object’s ____________

(A) Weight (B) Force

(C) Resistance (D) Velocity

6. The Law of acceleration is also known as

(A) Law of inertia (B) Law of action and reaction

(C) Law of momentum (D) Boyle’s law

7. Bio-mechanics help in which of the following?

(A) In improving technique (B) In improving designs of sports equipment

(C) In improving performance (D) All of these

8. The force of friction depends upon

(A) Nature of surface of contact (B) Material of objects in contact

(C) Both (a) and (b) (D) None of the above

9. What do you understand by flexibility?

Ans. Friction is the force resisting the relative motion of two bodies sliding or rolling against each
other.

10. Define Friction and name its types.

Ans. Friction is the force resisting the relative motion of two bodies sliding or rolling against each
other. The two types of friction are: Static Friction and Dynamic Friction

11. An object thrown into the space either horizontally or at an acute angle under the action of
gravity is called a projectile. Name the two forces which act on a projectile.

Ans. i) Gravitational force

ii) Air Resistance

iii)Initial velocity

iv)Spin

12. Explain, what is “Dynamic Friction”?

Ans. The frictional force that comes into play when one object is actually moving (sliding or rolling)
over the surface of other body is called dynamic friction.

Very Short Type Questions (2 MARKS)

1. When wrestlers fall on the mat, why they spread their arms, knee and legs ? Justify your answer.

Ans. When wrestlers fall on the mat, they spread their arms, knees, and legs to increase stability and
reduce injury. According to the principles of equilibrium, stability depends on the centre of gravity
and the base of support. By spreading their body parts, wrestlers broaden their base of support and
lower their centre of gravity. A broader base and lower centre of gravity provide greater balance,
control, and stability, and help absorb impact, thereby reducing the risk of injuries.

2. Describe the second class lever from with suitable exams from sports.

Ans. Second Class lever: It has the load resistance between the fulcrum and the force. So, there is
always mechanical advantage as force arm is always greater than resistance arm.

Example: Full body push up /Wheel barrow/ wall climbing/ taking off for a jump/pushing against
starting blocks in sprints

3. Mention any two types of friction by giving suitable examples from sports.

Ans. Types of Friction: Static friction: Weightlifting, Holding the parallel bar

Sliding friction: Icehockey, ice skating,

Rolling friction: Rolling of the football, cricket ball,tennis ball

Air friction: Riding a bicycle, skydiving

Water friction: Swimming in water, diving

Short Answer Type Questions (3 MARKS)

1. With suitable examples explain the application of Newton's law in sports.
Ans. Newton’s law of motion are as follows:

(i) Newton’s First Law of Motion (Law of Inertia)

According to the first law of motion, a body at rest, remains at rest and a body in uniform motion,
remains in motion at a constant speed and in the same direction, until and unless acted upon by an
external force.

For Example, if there is no frictional force, acting on a cricket ball hit by a batsman, the ball may not
stop forever. As soon as the ball hits the ground, the frictional force is initiated. Slowly, as the ball
moves ahead, its speed slows down due to surface friction and after some time, it stops.

(ii) Newton's Second Law of Motion (Law of Acceleration):

According to the second law of motion, a change in acceleration of an object is directly proportional
to the force producing it and inversely proportional to its mass.

For example, an athlete will require more force and strength to throw a hammer weigh 5 kg., as
compared to when he/she will throw a hammer weighing 3 kg. Also, the acceleration produced in the
hammer weighing 5 kg. will be greater than that produced in the lighter one. Similarly, a hockey ball
hit by a greater force will accelerate faster, as compared to the one hit with a minimal force.

(iii) Newton's Third Law of Motion (Law of Reaction): According to the third law of motion, for every
action, there is an equal and an opposite reaction.

For Example, the force, with which the bullet is fired from a shotgun or a rifle, is always equal to the
force by which the gun or rifle jerks back.

2. What is projectile ? Explain any three factors that affect a projectile trajectory.

Ans. An object thrown into the air at any angle against the action of gravity is called projectile.
Factors affecting projectile Trajectory:

 Angle of projectile- the angle at which it is projected.

 Projection and landing surface relation.

 Initial velocity

 Gravity

 Spin

 Air resistance

Long Answer Type Questions (5 Marks)

1. What do you mean by Equilibrium ? Explain how Equilibrium increases with the influence of
various factors by giving suitable examples from sports.
Ans. Equilibrium- State of balance or a stable situation where opposite forces cancel each other and
where no changes occur.

Or
Condition in which the sum of all forces acting on a body is zero, causing it to remain at rest or move
with constant velocity.
(i) Lower centre of gravity means more stability:

Athletes lower their centre of gravity to improve stability during activities. For example, runners bend
their knees to stop more quickly and effectively. Similarly, a wrestler adopts a half –sitting posture for
better balance, and shot put thrower bends their knees for better stability to avoid foul.

(ii) Stability increases when centre of gravity is centred:

Balance is lost if centre of gravity moves outside the support base. Keeping the weight centred over
the support base enhances stability. For instance, balance is easily lost in activities like walking on a
balance beam with narrow support base. If balance shifts, the gymnast might raise an arm or leg to
bring the centre of gravity back to the centre.

(iii) Wider base of support enhance stability: Spreading the support base, like standing with feet
apart adds stability. Using stance requiring both hands and feet, creates the most comprehensive
base and, hence more stability.

(iv) Body weight is directly proportional to stability:

A heavier person or gravity or object is more stable and more challenging to move. This principle is
applied in sports like Boxing, Judo, Wrestling, where competitors are classified by weight. More the
friction on the surface more the stability: If the surface of a sport or activity has more friction, it
leads to greater [Link] example, if the friction on a wrestling mat is less, wrestler will tend to
slip.

2. What do you understand by Projectile Trajectory? Explain the factors affecting projectile trajectory
in sports.

Ans. The path followed by a projectile is known as a trajectory. Factors affecting projectile trajectory.

(i) Gravity: Gravity is the force exerted by the earth on any object towards the centre of the body and
is directly proportional to the mass of the body.

(ii) Speed of Release: This refers to how fast the object is released (thrown or hit). Generally, the
greater the release rate, the greater the distance gained.

(iii) Projection Angle: This refers to the pitch at which the object is thrown or hit into the air. In
sporting situations, the angle of release varies according to the activity.

(iv) Height of Release: This refers to how high above the ground an object is released. For a given
speed and projection angle, the greater the height of release, the greater the distance gained.

3. What is Friction? Write the advantages and disadvantages of friction by giving suitable examples
from sports. / What are the various types of friction ? How is friction advantageous or
disadvantageous in the field of games and sports ? Explain with suitable examples.

Ans. Friction: The force acting along two surfaces in contact, which opposes the motion of one body
over the other is called the force of friction.

The advantages of friction in various sports are as follows:

(1) Athletics: In athletics, the shoes (spikes) are designed to increase friction so that better speed can
be generated.
(ii) Gymnastics: It is due to friction that a gymnast is able to perform actions on the horizontal bar. He
also uses lime powder on his hands to increase the friction between his palm and the bar.

(iii) Badminton: A good grip in badminton is crucial for perfect shots, as it increases friction with the
hand, preventing the racket from slipping and ensuring accurate performance.

(iv) Cycling: The friction between the tires andthe surface prevents cyclists from slipping and
skidding. The friction between the brakes and the wheel help cyclists slow down their bikes.

The disadvantages of friction are as follows:

(1) Weightlifting and Gymnastics:

In weightlifting and gymnastics, the skin in the palm gets damaged due to friction and the athlete
even may slip while performing the lift. Hence, gymnasts and weight lifters are advised to use
powder on their palms and wear special shoes to maintain appropriate friction.

(ii) Pole-vault: During pole-vault, a vaulter

may lose grip on the pole if less friction is there between palms and pole. Hence, pole-vaulters are
advised to use adhesive on their palms to increase friction and perform correctly.

4. What are the basic Newton’s Laws of Motion ? Discuss in detail about their application in the field
of games and sports.

Ans. Newton’s law of motion are as follows:

(i) Newton’s First Law of Motion (Law of Inertia): According to the first law of motion, a body at rest,
remains at rest and a body in uniform motion, remains in motion at a constant speed and in the
same direction, until and unless acted upon by an external force.

(ii) Newton's Second Law of Motion (Law of Acceleration): According to the second law of motion, a
change in acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the force producing it and inversely
proportional to its mass.

(iii) Newton's Third Law of Motion (Law of Reaction): According to the third law of motion, for every
action, there is an equal and an opposite reaction.

Application of Newton's Laws of Motion in Sports:

(i ) First Law: Tennis: A tennis ball will remain at rest in the court until the unbalanced force of
player's hand picks it up and moves it. A tennis ball hit by the player will stay in motion until it hits
the unbalanced force of opposing player's racquet.

(ii) Second Law: Baseball: A baseball hit with a swinging bat will accelerate more than a baseball that
is bunted because the swinging bat has more force. If equal force is applied to the baseball (more
mass) and t-ball (less mass), then t-ball will accelerate more.
(iii ) Third Law: Soccer: When a soccer ball hits a goalie's hand, the action is the ball hitting the
goalie's hand and the reaction force is the hand hitting the ball in the opposite direction.