How are the principles of projectile motion applied
in badminton?
Projectile motion is a form of motion where an
object is thrown at an angle not equal to 90 and it moves along a curved path
due to gravity. The principles of projectile motion are applied in badminton. The
motion of a shuttlecock in play can be demonstrated by the concept of
projectile motion. The shuttlecock can be considered as a projectile and it
follows a path called the trajectory.
The trajectory of a shuttlecock is similar to the
diagram below, where the horizontal component of its velocity stays the same
while the vertical velocity changes due to gravity. The vertical component of
velocity undergoes a positive acceleration until the projectile reaches its
maximum height where the vertical component becomes zero, and then the velocity
accelerates negatively.
Factors affecting the trajectory include gravity,
air resistance, speed of release, angle of release, height of release. In this
case, the effect of air resistance can be neglected, since the acceleration of
the shuttlecock is only caused by gravity. The gravity on earth is the same
which is 9.8m/s2. We will focus on air resistance, speed of release,
angle of release, height of release.
First, the angle
of release has a great impact on the trajectory of the shuttlecock. As the
angle increases, the range (horizontal distance that the shuttlecock travels) increases
and vice versa. However, the speed of
release has to stays the same. For example, if the angle of release is 30
degrees, the initial velocity is 15 m/s and the time is 2 seconds
The range can
be calculated using the formula, Dx = Vix × t
Dx = (15m/s)cos30° × 2s = 26m
If the angle
of release increases to 40 degrees whiles the other values stay the same. The
range will decrease to 23m. Dx = (15m/s)cos40° × 2s = 23m
Second, the speed at which the shuttlecock is released
influences its trajectory. The harder the shuttlecock is being hit, the larger
initial velocity (speed of release) and therefore increasing both the vertical
and horizontal distance it will travel. The less strength you put in hitting it,
the smaller the distance that will result.
Finally, the height of release also plays an
important role in the trajectory of the shuttlecock. The higher the level of
release, the greater the distance covered in flight. This is because the higher
it is released, the longer it will stay in the air and therefore the horizontal
component of the force will be acting on the shuttlecock for a longer period of
time. This means that if a person jumps up and hit the shuttlecock at a very
high level above the ground, the birdy will go further in distance.
In conclusion, understanding the concept of
projectile motion will help us to play badminton better.
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