Chemistry of Sports
These resources take an in-depth look at how chemistry and technology have had a huge impact on all kinds of sports—from golf to paintball.
In one of a series of resources based on the science in sports, students read about and see video clips of National Hockey League players and coaches as well as a physicist and a chemist. Included is information about ice, the qualities that make it a unique playing surface, why ice is slippery, the mechanics of ice skating, hockey equipment, how players can shoot the puck over 100 miles an hour, checking using physical force, and physical fitness. Links to other sites and mathematics formulas that show how much energy is expended in an open ice hit can also be found. MSP full record
Since the late 1800s, chemists have been called on to find ways to produce lighter, faster, and durable golf balls. This site traces the chemistry that has transformed the ball and promises to create a ball that will "soar like a cruise missile, hit the ground at a very shallow angle, and roll for up to 40 yards on hard ground." (From What’s That Stuff?) MSP full record
The power of today's tennis game is only partly generated by the athletes themselves. Much of it comes from their rackets. New designs mean players can hit the ball with more speed and accuracy than ever before. This article discusses how technology has changed the game of tennis.
Towns that depend on skiing for their income watch the skies for signs of snow. If it doesn't come in sufficient amounts, they can call on companies that make snow. Sometimes snow is needed on movie sets or other indoor sites. Various methods of making snow for different purposes are described here. (From What’s That Stuff?) MSP full record
The first paintballs were fired by foresters and ranchers to mark trees and cattle. In the 1980s, someone got the idea that it would be more fun to fire paintballs at people than at trees and cows. Thus the sport of paintball was born. In this article from ChemMatters, learn how the one billion paintballs manufactured each year are a product of chemistry and engineering. (From American Chemical Society Education.) MSP full record
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Copyright
June 2007 — The Ohio State University. This material is based upon work
supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0424671. Any
opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this
material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of
the National Science Foundation.
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