Biomechanics Exam Questions and Answers

Static and Dynamic situations

1. For each of the following, list whether the situation is static or dynamic.
a. A student standing still on a balance beam: (4)
b. As a Frisbee is being thrown:
c. A person gliding on roller skates at constant speed around a corner:
d. Students playing a game of tag:

 

2. Provide a study specific to biomechanics (I am not asking for a definition of biomechanics). Make sure it is
specific to biomechanics – e.g. examining a free-throw is not specific enough. (2)

 

3. Tell me something that will make me laugh! (2)

 

4. Add the 3 following vectors together pictorially. (3)

 

5. Provide the technical term for the following actions (from the anatomical position), in the proper format as
taught in class (and done in the motion description lab) – no degrees required. (10)
a. Tilting (not rotating) just your head to the right:
b. In which axis does this motion (in a) occur?
c. Bringing your entire right leg back behind you:
d. In which plane does this motion (in c) occur?
e. Turning your entire left arm outward:
f. In which plane does this motion (in e) occur?
g. Moving your hand (when in the anatomical position) towards your thumb:
h. In which axis does this motion (in c) occur?

 

6. Explain with mechanical loading terms & other info discussed in this class’s lectures only concerning keeping
your back in the proper anatomical position while lifting or performing a sit up. (4)

 

7. Tell me something interesting that will shock me (i.e. make me say ‘wow’ or ‘cool’ or ‘neat’). (3)

 

8. Explain a situation where two disciplines in Kinesiology are related. (List the two disciplines and specifically
explain how the two areas affect each other). (3)

 

9. Explain how mass can change compared to how to change weight? (Weight = mass x gravity) (2)
Explain SPECIFIC TO THE BIKE CRANK BELOW, the torque produced when pushing straight down (down force) on the pedal AND the best direction to produce a force. Use a diagram and vectors as shown in class.
Marks are given for explaining perpendicular distance + how it changes with the change in the force direction.

 

10. Work = Force x Distance. Imagine you are developing lesson plans for a group of Grade 11 students. Among
those students, one is tall and one is short, but they both weigh the same. Explain the similarities and
modifications that should be included when you are having them do: a) a 5 minute jog and b) a weightlifting
routine of bench-press and squats. Remember, this question is specific about WORK. (4)

 

11. Power = (Force x Distance)/Time… Explain the similarity/difference between a heavy weight wrestler (275 lbs.) and a long distance runner (120 lbs.) when a) they both throw a football 25 yards at the same speed and
trajectory AND b) when they both run 400 yards. Answer using the terms relative power and absolute power. (4)

 

12. Discuss two different body positions in terms of ONE AXIS + how the moment of inertia and (at the same time) the angular velocity are different. Make sure to list the axis and use TECHNICAL terms to describe the body position. (3)

 

13. How is power generated differently in an open vs. closed kinetic chain? Explain using a skill for each. (4)

 

14. What video or movie should I watch or book I should read (or something similar that I should experience)! 

15. Impulse = Force x Time ? Momentum = mass x ? velocity Impulse = ? Momentum
a. Using the above info, explain the relationship between Impulse and Momentum (in particular discuss each of: force, time, mass and ? velocity) when jumping and landing from a jump.
In other words, show me you understand these concepts as discussed in class. (4)

 

16. Explain Magnus Effect when kicking a ball. Explain the trade-off between the linear force and torque in relation to where on the ball the foot contacts the ball. Include what will actually happen to the trajectory of the ball. (4)

 

17. What is the trade-off between a wide stance and a narrow stance when performing a squat? Make sure to talk about both the component vectors of the force production and the specific direction of balance. (4)

 

18. Explain why higher chairs are easier from which to stand up compared to lower chairs. Include center of mass, base of support, momentum and impulse in your answer. (4)

 

19. When someone is learning to pass a ball, explain how: (4)
a. The angle of launch alters the location the ball should be aim for the receiver to catch the ball (given a
constant launch velocity).
b. Where the ball should be aimed when the receiver is sprinting vs. jogging. Make sure to explain using
vectors/component vectors as taught in the trajectory lecture.