Modern force platforms are handy tools for investigating forces during human motion. Earlier they were very expensive and were mostly used in research laboratories. But now even platforms that can measure in two directions are quite affordable. In this work we used the PASCO 2-Axis Force Platform. The analysis of the data can serve as a nice illustration of qualitative or quantitative use of the impulse-momentum theorem p - p0 = ∫t0t Fdt = I. The most common use of force platforms is to study the force from the base during the push-off period of a vertical jump. I think this is an activity of great value, and I would recommend it. The use of force platforms in teaching is well documented in research literature.1–4
REFERENCES
1.
Rod
Cross
, “Standing, walking, running and jumping on a force plate
,” Am. J. Phys.
67
, 304
–309
(April 1999
).2.
Nicholas P.
Linthorne
, “Analysis of standing vertical jumps using a force platform
,” Am. J. Phys.
69
, 1198
–1204
(Nov. 2001
).3.
Ole Anton
Haugland
, “Physics measurements for sports
,” Phys. Teach.
39
, 350
–353
(Sept. 2001
).4.
“
Walking Biomechanics Using a Force Plate
,” Vernier Software & Technology
(2011
); www.vernier.com/innovate/walking-biomechanics-using-a-force-plate/.© 2013 American Association of Physics Teachers.
2013
American Association of Physics Teachers
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