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Extra Physics of Running

Moon Running

Running on the moon yields a different experience from running on Earth. This is because of two factors: no atmosphere and lower gravitational acceleration down.

-The lack of atmosphere on the moon means that there is no air. Without air, the drag force is non-existent and the runner encounters no air resistance to oppose a forward motion.

-Since the moon has a smaller mass than the Earth, the value for the moon’s gravitational pull is smaller because the magnitude of gravity is proportional to the body’s mass. The smaller magnitude of the moon’s gravitational pull causes the runner’s contact with the moon’s surface to feel “delayed.” This is because the force of gravity isn’t pulling down on the runner as quickly as the gravity of Earth.

Thus, running on the moon is easier than running on the moon and probably a lot more fun because of the floating sensation down!

Water Running

-Running in water is more difficult mainly because of the different fluid through which the runner moves. Because of the water, the drag force increases considerably compared to running on dry land. The forward motion of the runner is opposed much more in the water, especially if the water itself has kinetic energy, or current, flowing in the opposite direction of the runner.

-The friction of the path below the water decreases because all the liquid smoothes the path over. So when the runner’s foot comes in contact with this path, the jagged surfaces can’t interlock as well because tat layer of water reduces the chance of this happening.

Running Up Stairs

Efficient running up stairs or even uphill uses much of the arm swing, knee lift, lean, and pelvic rotation as discussed in the previous pages of this website. The main difference is that when running up a flight of stairs, the arm bend at the elbow should be at a 45-degree angle, and swing as if to punch the sky. This upward swing, along with the other forms, causes the runner’s body to be pushed forward and upward by using the least amount of energy from the legs.

Animals!

Animal locomotion is somewhat different from human locomotion because of the varying physical structure and balance of animals. But the forces affecting the running animals are the same as those influencing human runners.

http://www.aafrican-safari.com/Cheetah_071.jpg

http://www.montyroberts.com.es/acerca_de_shy_boy.html

http://www.ohs.osceola.k12.fl.us/teachers/animals/rljclizard

http://pets.siuxy.com/pets-and-breeds.aspx?ID_BREED=10092