Physics Ideas Using Balls

• Determine why a bowling ball doesn't bounce as much as a tennis ball.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
  
  Many sports use a ball, so consider a project that begins with the question of what makes a ball bounce. Choose a sport with a ball that bounces, such as tennis, ping pong or basketball. There are several additional questions to choose from after determining what makes the ball bounce. For example, what forces act upon the ball, how does air pressure affect the ball's bounce, how does bouncing affect the shape of the ball and what materials do manufacturers use to make a ball bounce? If sports with balls that bounce don't interest you, consider a sport with a ball that doesn't bounce much, such as baseball or bowling. Always begin with a question, such as, why doesn't a bowling ball bounce as much as a tennis ball or does a baseball flatten as it makes contact with the bat?
  
  

Physics and Forces

• Question how a low-friction surface like ice affects the force with which a player must hit the puck.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
  
  In some sports -- such as lacrosse, football and hockey, among others -- it is not unusual for players to collide. Consider the force of impact caused by a collision by determining what kind of energy the player in motion exhibits and what the force of impact is, which is related to the mass of the player and his speed. Another force that plays a big role in sports is friction. Compare the effects of friction in sports with very different surfaces but similar motions, such as field hockey and ice hockey. Consider how the differing amounts of friction affect the force with which a player must strike the ball or puck and the speed of the object hit on grass verses ice. Note that a slapshot in hockey can reach 118 mph, whereas a ball could never reach that speed in a field hockey game.
  
  

Biomechanics of Throwing

• Biomechanics is a combination of mechanics and physics and the way they work together to dictate performance. For example, when it comes to throwing a ball in baseball and football, both speed and accuracy matter. Whether you are a quarterback making a big pass, a third base player making a play at first or on the mound pitching fast but accurately, physics and body positioning combine to determine your success. Again, begin your scientific inquiry with a question, such as what factors affect speed and accuracy when you throw the ball? Ask whether the same principles apply to kicking a ball like a punter, place-kicker or soccer player.
  
  

Biomechanics and Momentum

• One of the forces that interest physicists is momentum, which also plays a role in many sports. Develop a science fair experiment that investigates the effects of momentum on long jumping. Compare the length of a jump done from a standstill with one done from a run and determine how momentum affects the length of the jump. You can devise another interesting momentum experiment using a bicycle. Measure maximum bike speed during a 100 meter sprint, but make multiple measurements, including measuring velocity with the bike starting from a standstill versus the bike already in motion when you begin the 100 meter sprint. Consider how momentum affects bike speed and why.