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LEVERS

LEVERS

PURPOSE:

• Decrease the force required to move an object ( force arm longer then resistance arm).

• Increase velocity in a movement (resistance arm is longer then the force arm).

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Parts of a LEVER…

FULCRUM - The hinge or pivot point.

RESISTANCE - One of the forces acting on the lever (weight/load) that opposes movement.

FORCE - The other force that causes or tends to cause the lever to move (effort).

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1ST CLASS

• Fulcrum lies between the resistance and force/effort.• Favours force output

Examples..

• Bending elbows in swing. This is NOT ideal as the resistance arm is reduced and thus the potential for speed.

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2ND CLASSResistance lies between the pivot and application of force.

Function is to increase the force produced.Examples…

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The force arm is shorter than the resistance arm.The force applied is always greater than the resistance.Generate and increase speed.

3RD CLASS

Examples…

§ Straight arms in golf swing.

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• Torque is a unique concept. In physics, its a measurement of rotational force. Torque depends on two things: the force that is involved and the distance that each force is at from a centre rotation point, called the fulcrum.  

• The fulcrum is the pivot point that any lever rotates on. In a golf swing, this point would be at the shoulders and wrists, where the golf club pivots on an imaginary axis.

The equation for torque is:

• Torque = Force applied x Distance from fulcrum

Torque

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• As the length of the arm increases, torque increases. As the applied force increases, torque increases as well. This is true for all three classes of levers. Thus, overall power and distance on golf shots and drives increases.

• Workbook

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Following this logic, it makes sense that the longest club in the golf bag is usually the driver. The extra distance that a good drive travels after using the driver instead of another club can partially be attributed to the greater distance that the force is from the fulcrum. It also follows that the smallest lofted clubs, the wedges, hit the ball the least distance.

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Torque is generated as the perpendicular force

presses on the lever arm and causes it to rotate.

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Whipping action!

Helps to generate club head speed.Mass gets smaller, velocity increases (transfer of

momentum)Addition of a second lever.Anywhere joint moves = addition of leverThrowing Ball vs Putting Shot (numchucks)

Flex in clubs