Newton's Third Law of Motion 🏈 [Science of NFL Football]

Summary

This video explores the science behind football tackles, linking them to Newton's Third Law of Motion. Experts explain how the law of action and reaction governs tackles, with momentum playing a crucial role in how defenders stop ball carriers. The concept of Conservation of Momentum is illustrated through a simple toy, Newton's Cradle, showcasing the transfer of energy during collisions. In football, tackles are often inelastic, with kinetic energy dissipated in body compression and sound. Ultimately, the video emphasizes how tackling is a dynamic interaction, where the force exerted on both players remains equal before and after the collision.

Takeaways

• 😀 NFL defenders aim to stop the ball carrier by tackling and limiting yards gained after contact.
• 😀 A correct tackle in football can be seen as a practical demonstration of Newton's Third Law of Motion (action-reaction).
• 😀 Newton's Third Law states that every action has an equal and opposite reaction, which applies to tackling in football.
• 😀 Momentum in football is calculated as the mass of a player multiplied by his velocity (P = MV).
• 😀 NFL players may not know the formula for momentum, but they understand how crucial it is in making tackles.
• 😀 Speed and momentum are important factors in making a successful tackle, as they help players deliver stronger contact.
• 😀 The Law of Conservation of Momentum means that the momentum before a collision equals the momentum after the collision.
• 😀 A Newton's Cradle can help visually demonstrate the concept of momentum transfer in a collision.
• 😀 Collisions in football are usually inelastic, meaning that kinetic energy is lost in the form of body compression and sound.
• 😀 In football, the primary goal of tackling is to stop the ball carrier's forward progress, even if big hits are common.

Q & A

What is the main goal of NFL defenders during a tackle?

The main goal of NFL defenders during a tackle is to stop the ball carrier by getting him to the ground and limiting the amount of yards gained, especially after contact.

What does Newton's Third Law of Motion state?

Newton's Third Law of Motion states that every action or force has an equal and opposite reaction. This means if one body exerts a force on another, the second body will exert an equal force back on the first body.

How does momentum play a role in tackling in football?

Momentum in football is crucial as it involves the mass of the player multiplied by his velocity. The faster and heavier the player, the more momentum they carry, which helps them make a stronger tackle.

What is the Law of Conservation of Momentum?

The Law of Conservation of Momentum states that the total momentum before a collision is equal to the total momentum after the collision, meaning momentum is conserved in the system.

What does the formula P = MV represent?

The formula P = MV represents the momentum of a player, where P is momentum, M is mass, and V is velocity. It is a key concept in understanding the physics of tackling.

How does a Newton's Cradle illustrate the Conservation of Momentum?

A Newton's Cradle demonstrates the Conservation of Momentum by showing how momentum is transferred from one sphere to another in a series of impacts. The momentum from the initial sphere is passed through the middle spheres and causes the final sphere to move with equal velocity.

What is the difference between elastic and inelastic collisions?

An elastic collision is one where there is no loss of kinetic energy, while an inelastic collision involves a loss of kinetic energy, typically transforming it into sound, heat, or deformation of the objects involved. Football tackles are inelastic collisions.

Why are football collisions considered inelastic?

Football collisions are considered inelastic because the kinetic energy from the players’ motion is dissipated, not just transferred. Some of this energy is released as heat, sound (such as the snapping of pads), and compression of the players' bodies.

How does body compression play a role in football tackles?

Body compression is important in football tackles because it absorbs some of the kinetic energy from the collision. This energy goes into compressing the players' bodies, rather than being completely transferred or lost, which is characteristic of an inelastic collision.

Why is it important for NFL players to use momentum when making a tackle?

Momentum is important because it helps NFL players deliver a more effective and forceful tackle. The greater the momentum, the more force they can apply, making it easier to stop the ball carrier and bring them to the ground.