Physics of Swimming Essay - 1870 Words

The study of physics and fluid dynamics in swimming has been a field of increasing interest for study in the past few decades among swimming coaches and enthusiasts. Despite the long history of research, the understanding of how to move the human body effectively through the water is still in its infancy. Competitive swimmers and their coaches of all levels are constantly striving for ways to improve their stroke technique and overall performance. The research and performances of todays swimmers are continuously disproving the beliefs of the past. Like in all sports, a better understanding of physics is enabling the world class swimmers to accomplish times never before thought possible. This was displayed on the grandest of†¦show more content†¦Until the Australians began their first period of dominance in the 1950’s, swimmers thought the best way to reduce frontal resistance was to keep the body completely flat, riding on top of the water, in an effort to hydro plane.2 According to Cecil Colwin, the most effective way to reduce frontal resistance is rolling the body from side to side with the stroke, known commonly as body roll. Another cause of frontal resistance is lifting the head to high in the water while breathing, swimming or both. Not only does the greater area of the face catch water, but it also causes the lower body to sink.3 It is generally accepted that the first step in becoming a good swimmer is dealing with the effects of frontal resistance. Skin Friction Skin friction is the kinetic friction of the swimmers skin and suit with the water. This can be easily dealt with a couple of ways. The most popular method is to shave off all visible body hair, occasionally even the eyebrows, and cover the body with a generous layer of lotion. When a swimmer shaves their body hair they decreases the surface area of their skin. The velocity of the water at the point of contact is 0 m/s. The lower the surface area the less water there is traveling at 0 m/s.2 This is usually reserved for important races, forShow MoreRelatedPhysics : The Science Of Swimming1442 Words   |  6 PagesPhysics in Swimming (The science of swimming. (n.d.). Retrieved November 4, 2015.) The definition of swimming can be defined as moving your body through the water. Also swimming is a sport or activity of propelling oneself through the water using the limbs. Some say humans have evolved from sea creatures, but looking at our bodies no one would never know. Humans are actually less well suited to moving through water. Also we humans don t float too well, can t breathe for longer beneath the surfaceRead MoreThe Physics Of Swimming Is Science909 Words   |  4 Pages Freestyle Stroke Essay Swimming is science. When a person swims, they are displacing water. In Ancient Greek times, a physicist named Archimedes discovered the principle of buoyancy. Archimedes Principle states that an object in gravity applies a force, or a buoyancy, to whatever it is surrounded in. When a person submerges him or herself in water, the water levels will rise. The density of a person or object determines if its floatation. If an object is more dense than the water, it will sinkRead MoreThe Importance Of Swimming As A Science1451 Words   |  6 Pages The definition of swimming can be defined as moving your body through the water. Also swimming is a sport or activity of propelling oneself through the water using the limbs. Some say humans have evolved from sea creatures, but looking at our bodies no one would never know. Humans are actually less well suited to moving through water. Also we humans don t float too well, can t breathe for long beneath the surface because we breathe air, and rapidly get tired as we thrash through the waves. OneRead MoreThe Family And Classroom Education Effect On Students Learning Motivation Focus On My Own Life1230 Words   |  5 PagesThe most influential microsystem for my childhood is my family. My parents found out I am interested in swimming, so they decided to take me to a swimming school where I spent the most time from 4-years old to 12-years old. Every time when I recall this pleasant experience, I always be proud of I have a pair of sensible parents, and they are good at find my passion s. My passion for swimming helped me to improve my abilities quickly, so I got the champion when I was 8-years old in my elementaryRead MorePhysics Of Physics Regarding Light Rays1581 Words   |  7 Pageslight travels, not just in how, but also in all the other factors that affect the light rays, including the speed, the velocity, the distance, as well as others. In my past years of school, I had been able to explore areas of physics concerning light rays, as part of my physics course. However, I had previously only learned the basic principles, such as the laws of refraction and reflection. Because I chose to focus on Chemistry and Biology, I was not given the opportunity to delve deeper into theRead MoreSpeech As A Speech To Isaac Newtons Speech879 Words   |  4 Pagescontinued to inspired to this day, Newton defined universal gravitation among other things in his 84 round trips around the sun. With his vast amount of discoveries he has formed the building blocks of todayâ₠¬â„¢s modern physics, influencing and impacting not only those who study physics but everyone who participates in the orbit of the earth and remaining grounded. So about 7.442 billion. No biggie.      Ã‚  Ã‚   Newton’s Law of Universal Gravitation is unbelievably useful and it all started with an apple. MaybeRead MoreAristotles Concept of Teleology Essay880 Words   |  4 Pages Aristotles Concept of Teleology In his Physics, Aristotle examines the theories and ideas regarding nature of his predecessors and then, based upon his own ideas, theories and experiments, argues against what he believes are incorrect conclusions. One idea that Aristotle argues specifically is teleology. Teleology is the idea that natural phenomena are determined not only by mechanical causes but by an overall design or purpose in nature. In this essay, I will examine what Aristotles conceptRead More Physics of Boating Essay1133 Words   |  5 PagesThe first thing you should know is the physics behind a boat, seeing how you cant have a boating adventure without one. To keep it simple, lets check out the main thing you should know about a boat: Buoyancy. Buoyancy, by definition, is the upward force exerted by a liquid on any immersed object. If the force of the liquid on the object is greater than that of the object on the liquid then the object will float. In other words buoyancy is dependent upon the density of the liquid and the volumeRead MoreAristotles Concept of Teleology885 Words   |  4 PagesAristotles Concept of Teleology In his Physics, Aristotle examines the theories and ideas regarding nature of his predecessors and then, based upon his own ideas, theories and experiments, argues against what he believes are incorrect conclusions. One idea that Aristotle argues specifically is teleology. Teleology is the idea that natural phenomena are determined not only by mechanical causes but by an overall design or purpose in nature. In this essay, I will examine what AristotlesRead MoreEssay on The Physics of a Toilet1526 Words   |  7 PagesThe Physics of a Toilet Almost everyone in America has used, is using at this very moment or will use a flushable, indoor toilet. Their privacy, and in some cases cleanliness, are taken for granted day by day. The basic physics of siphoning, and the right amount of water, makes the toilet operate in our desired fashion. This has been the concept of toilets for over 200 years. Some questions do come to mind when witnessing this event; how does the water and waste get sucked out of the toilet