Question

1. Use the concept of center of mass to explain why the Fosbury Flop has become the dominant form of high jumping.(define the center of mass in the process; why is it better than the straddle method) (2 pts)

Answer 1

We should know about the center of . Every object has a center of mass , which is the arbitrary point where all the mass of the object is suppose to be concentrated.

While in the classical methods , like rolling over and straddle methods, the center of mass lies on the body . So to clear the pole, the athletes have to apply and extra upward force.

But in Fosbury flop method , the center of mass lies below the body , hence there is no need to apply any extra force upwards to clear the pole.