The Physics of Sport

Sports · 10 questions

The forces, angles and airflow hiding behind the scoreline.

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1. Which effect explains a football bending in flight?

   1. The Doppler effect
   2. The Magnus effect
   3. The Coriolis effect
   4. The Venturi effect
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   B) The Magnus effect

2. Why do cyclists and swimmers tuck in directly behind someone?

   1. To reduce drag
   2. To stay warm
   3. To navigate
   4. To keep rhythm
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   A) To reduce drag

3. What is the 'sweet spot' on a tennis racket?

   1. The tightest part of the stringing
   2. The very end of the handle
   3. The outer edge of the frame
   4. The area of the strings that vibrates least
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   D) The area of the strings that vibrates least

4. What are the dimples on a golf ball for?

   1. Reducing the weight of the ball
   2. Making it easier to spot
   3. Helping the ball travel further through the air
   4. Improving the player's grip
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   C) Helping the ball travel further through the air

5. What is the advantage of going over the high jump bar backwards?

   1. The run-up can be faster
   2. The centre of mass can pass below the bar
   3. It takes much less strength
   4. The rules require it
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   B) The centre of mass can pass below the bar

6. Why does a spinning skater speed up when pulling their arms in?

   1. Friction is reduced
   2. Their weight decreases
   3. Angular momentum is conserved
   4. The ice melts underneath
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   C) Angular momentum is conserved

7. Why is the best long jump take-off angle below 45 degrees?

   1. The wind is always blowing from behind
   2. The sand pit is too soft to land on
   3. Competition rules impose a limit
   4. The jump begins at some height above the ground
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   D) The jump begins at some height above the ground

8. A ball meets less air resistance at high altitude.

   1. True
   2. False
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   A) True

9. Runners in outer lanes start further forward so all lanes cover the same distance.

   1. True
   2. False
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   A) True

10. A heavy ball always falls faster than a light one.

    1. True
    2. False
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    B) False