Module 1
1. Module 1
1.10. Page 5
Module 1—Momentum and Impulse
Impulse Can Improve Sports Performance
© Michael Krinke/iStockphoto
This tennis player uses her racquet to change the momentum of the tennis ball. When she took her first tennis lessons, her coach explained that when hitting the ball with the racquet, it was important to continue to swing the racquet after contacting the ball. This technique is often referred to as using proper “follow through.” It is thought to be more effective than a shorter swing at giving the ball a high velocity.
Read
You can find out more about the role of impulse in improving sports performance by reading page 466 of your textbook.
Self-Check
SC 8. Concisely explain why proper follow through increases the change in momentum of a tennis ball being struck by a tennis racquet.
Self-Check Answer
SC 8. To change the momentum of an object like a tennis ball, an athlete must supply an impulse to the ball. Since impulse is the product of the net force applied to the ball and the time interval during the interaction, the athlete attempts to maximize both the net force and the interaction time. The time interval is maximized by ensuring that the ball and the racquet are in contact for as long a time interval as possible. This is what the idea of proper follow through is all about.