#ACTION FORCE PHYSICS SCIENCE HOW TO#

#ACTION FORCE PHYSICS SCIENCE HOW TO#

Science can help swimmers be more efficient and learn how to better use their energy. Swimmers who have a deep understanding of swimming science will have a leg up on their competitors, since they can use these principles to hone their craft. We’ve already discussed how Newton’s Laws of Motion relate to swimming, and there are many other scientific principles that relate to swimming, too.įor example, science can explain the reason swimmers float (because water pressure pushes upward and balances the weight) and the reason why it’s important to conserve momentum (because the momentum you give your body is the same momentum you give the water). Science can explain just about every aspect of swimming. What Does Swimming Have to Do with Science? This movement is equal and opposite to the force the water exerts against the swimmer to stop them from moving.

Thus, swimmers must stroke downward in the water to stay afloat and propel forward. Newton’s Third Law of Motion states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. Newton’s second law explains why some swimmers are faster than others. This person had greater acceleration, and therefore exerted greater force. This means that if two swimmers of the same mass (weight) push off the wall at the same time but do not make any strokes, the one who used the most force will go the farthest. The Second Law of Motion states that force = mass x acceleration. Newton’s First Law of Motion is manifest in the way that swimmers must jump or push off the side of the pool to get going. In relation to swimming, this means a resting body wants to stay at rest, and it takes energy to get moving. This law states that an object at rest will remain at rest unless acted upon by an unbalanced force. Which Law of Motion Explains Swimming?Īll laws of motion can be related to swimming in some way, but it’s key for every swimmer to start with Newton’s First Law of Motion.

But if you want to become a faster, more agile swimmer, it may be time to start taking a closer look at physics.Ĭheck out our guide to the physics of swimming to learn more about what causes frontal drag, how to reduce water resistance, and more about how swimming relates to science. The laws of physics dominate the world around us, but we usually don’t go about our day contemplating the effects of gravity, momentum, and acceleration.

Action force physics science