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400882 Introduction to Biomechanics: Exam Study Questions

Copyright 2008: The University of Western Sydney



400882: Introduction to Biomechanics


Exam Study Questions


This document contains a series of points and questions in relation to the course content
studied in Introduction to Biomechanics this session. It is provided for you to aid your
approach to studying the material in this unit and for the exam. While completing these
tasks and questions will not guarantee a pass in the exam, their completion and
subsequent study from will enhance your ability to answer the theory related questions in
the exam.

It is recommended that you initially treat these tasks and questions as weekly assignments
by searching the text and lecture material for the answers. Once completed, you can study
from these questions by attempting to answer them without using your answer template.
You may find this process more effective / enjoyable if conducted with a partner or in small
study groups.

INTRODUCTION TO BIOMECHANICS:
1. Define Biomechanics.
2. List 5 professional groups who benefit from a knowledge of Biomechanics
3. Define and explain Quantitative Analysis in biomechanics
4. Define and explain Qualitative Analysis in biomechanics
5. Explain the difference (using examples) between Kinematics and Kinetics in
Biomechanics.
6. List the SI units for each of the following quantities: length, mass, time & temperature.
7. Define Linear Motion and provide two examples.
8. How many types of Linear Motion are there?
9. Define Angular Motion and provide two examples.
10. Define General Motion and provide two examples.
11. Which type of motion (Linear, Angular or general) is most common in human
movement?
12. Describe the anatomical position.
13. Why is a standard anatomical position used in biomechanics?
14. Three anatomical reference planes divide the body. Name, define and provide a
movement example for each of these planes.
15. Three anatomical reference axes bisect the body. Name, define and provide a
movement example for each of these planes.
16. Mass is a measure of what?
17. Define Inertia.

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COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCE

400882 Introduction to Biomechanics: Exam Study Questions
Copyright 2008: The University of Western Sydney
VECTOR ALGEBRA:
18. Explain the difference between Scalar and Vector quantities and provide examples
for each.
19. Why are arrows useful for representing vector quantities?
20. When two or more vectors of the same quantity are added together, what can be
calculated?
21. Describe the process of adding vectors to find the resultant vector.
22. Is the order of adding vectors together important when calculating the resultant?
23. What is Vector Resolution?
24. Pythagoras theorem states what?
25. When using trigonometry: Sine = ?; Cos = ?; Tan = ?


LINEAR KINEMATICS:
26. Motion that occurs in a straight line is called what?
27. Translational motion occurs when?
28. Define linear DISTANCE, provide its symbol/s, unit of measurement and state
whether it is a scalar or vector quantity.
29. Define linear DISPLACEMENT, provide its symbol/s, unit of measurement and state
whether it is a scalar or vector quantity.
30. Define linear SPEED, provide its symbol/s, unit of measurement and state whether it
is a scalar or vector quantity.
31. Define linear VELOCITY, provide its symbol/s, unit of measurement and state
whether it is a scalar or vector quantity.
32. What quantity does the slope of a displacement time graph provide?
33. The steeper the slope from a displacement time graph would indicate what?
34. Explain the term instantaneous velocity.
35. Define linear ACCELERATION, provide its symbol/s, unit of measurement and state
whether it is a scalar or vector quantity.
36. If the velocity of an object is changing quickly, then the acceleration of that object
would be: High; Medium; or Low?
37. The slope of which type of graph indicates acceleration?
38. When interpreting the direction of acceleration, explain how we differentiate between
an object speeding up (accelerating) and slowing down (decelerating)?
39. What might an acceleration = 0 mean for a particular body?


PROJECTILE MOTION:
40. Any object thrown into the air is known as what?
41. The flight pathway of a projected object is referred to as the what?
42. During human projectile motion, which body location is generally used for analysis?
43. In true projectile motion (objects in freefall), which two external forces act on the
projectile?
44. During projectile motion, which flight component does gravity affect?
45. During projectile motion, which flight component does air resistance affect?
46. When ignoring air resistance, what affect does the size shape and mass of an object
have on the acceleration of that object due to gravity?
47. The flight path of a projectile that is not influenced by air resistance would follow a
trajectory of which shape?
48. A projectile at the apex of its flight is represented by a vertical velocity of?
400882 Introduction to Biomechanics: Exam Study Questions
Copyright 2008: The University of Western Sydney
49. For a projectile that is released from and lands at the same height (ignoring air
resistance), the time taken for that projectile to reach the apex of its flight is equal to
what percentage of the total flight time?
50. List three release factors that affect the trajectory of a projectile.
51. Define Projection Angle.
52. In the absence of air resistance, a projectile that is launched from a height of 2.5 m
with a projection angle of 0
o
will produce a flight trajectory of which shape?
53. Define Projection Speed and state which components of a projectiles trajectory that
it can influence.
54. What is meant by the relative height of release (Height of Projection)?
55. What effect does increasing the height of projection have on a projectile?
56. How can maximum range / distance be achieved in projectile motion?
57. Describe how the optimum release angle for a projectile changes depending on
whether the release height is: greater than; equal to; or less than the landing height.
58. Under what condition can the equations for uniformly accelerated motion be applied?


ANGULAR KINEMATICS:
59. Define and list several important features of the Centre of Rotation.
60. What is meant by the Instant Centre of a joint?
61. What are the three conventional units used to measure angular motion?
62. Which unit of angular motion is most appropriate for use in biomechanics?
63. Explain how to convert degrees to radians and radians to degrees.
64. Define Relative Angle.
65. Full extension of a joint is considered to represent what angle?
66. Define Absolute Angle.
67. List 4 tools that are commonly used for joint angle data collection in biomechanics.
68. Explain the convention known as the Right Hand Rule and when it is applied.
69. Define angular DISTANCE, provide its symbol/s, unit of measurement and state
whether it is a scalar or vector quantity.
70. Define angular DISPLACEMENT, provide its symbol/s, unit of measurement and
state whether it is a scalar or vector quantity.
71. Explain the convention used to define the direction of angular motion.
72. Define angular SPEED, provide its symbol/s, unit of measurement and state whether
it is a scalar or vector quantity.
73. Define angular VELOCITY, provide its symbol/s, unit of measurement and state
whether it is a scalar or vector quantity.
74. Define angular ACCELERATION, provide its symbol/s, unit of measurement and
state whether it is a scalar or vector quantity.
75. How can the linear distance of a point on a segment be calculated when that
segment is undergoing rotation?
76. Define TANGENTIAL VELOCITY, provide its symbol/s, unit of measurement and
state whether it is a scalar or vector quantity.
77. Explain how a hammer thrower could increase the tangential velocity of the hammer
on release.
78. Define RADIAL ACCELERATION, provide its symbol/s, unit of measurement and
state whether it is a scalar or vector quantity.
79. Radial acceleration is also known as what and in which direction does it act?
80. Define TANGENTIAL ACCELERATION, provide its symbol/s, unit of measurement
and state whether it is a scalar or vector quantity.


400882 Introduction to Biomechanics: Exam Study Questions
Copyright 2008: The University of Western Sydney
LINEAR KINETICS:
81. Kinetics deals with which component of biomechanics?
82. Define FORCE, provide its symbol/s, unit of measurement and state whether it is a
scalar or vector quantity.
83. Objects move when acted upon by a force greater than..?
84. Explain what is meant by the Point of Application of a force and provide an
example.
85. Explain what is meant by the Line of Application of a force.
86. Explain what is meant by the Angle of Application of a force.
87. In relation to force systems, explain each of the following terms: Coplanar forces;
Concurrent forces; Collinear forces; force Resolution.
88. Newtons 1
st
Law of Motion states that ...
89. Newtons 1
st
law of motion is also known as the law of what?
90. Newtons 2
nd
Law of Motion states that
91. Newtons 2
nd
law of motion is also known as the law of what?
92. Newtons 3
rd
Law of Motion states that ...
93. Newtons 3
rd
law of motion is also known as the law of what?
94. When considering Newtons Laws, explain why a person who applies a force to the
ground in a vertical jump is projected upwards by the reaction force from the earth
but the earth does not appear to experience movement as a result of the initial
downward force from the person?
95. Explain what is meant by Non-Contact Force and provide an example.
96. The Law of Gravitation states that
97. How is the Weight Force of an object calculated and what units is it measured in?
98. Explain how altitude can affect acceleration due to gravity and subsequently the
weight force of and object.
99. What biomechanical implications does higher altitude have for sporting performance?
100. Explain what is meant by Contact Forces and provide an example.
101. GRF is the abbreviation used to describe what property?
102. List several factors that can affect GRFs during running.
103. VGRF is the abbreviation used to describe what property?
104. Indicate what each of the following represent: Fz; Fy; and Fx.
105. GRF is usually measured in Newtons but can also be represented by what
convention?
106. Define Friction.
107. What affect does friction always have on motion?
108. What is meant by Maximum Static Friction F
m
?
109. The friction present once one object begins moving (sliding) over another is known as
what?
110. For two surfaces, will the maximum static friction between them always be greater
than the maximum kinetic friction?
111. What two factors determine the amount of friction between two surfaces?
112. Define the Coefficient of Friction and indicate what it is influenced by.
113. In relation to friction, what is meant by the term Normal Reaction Force?
114. Does the surface area in contact between two surfaces affect the amount of friction
between them?
115. How does rolling friction compare with sliding friction?
116. What effect does lubricants have on the friction between two surfaces?
117. Excluding the use of lubricants, explain how the friction between two surfaces can be
altered (Provide examples to support your answer)?
118. What is a Free Body Diagram and when are they used?

400882 Introduction to Biomechanics: Exam Study Questions
Copyright 2008: The University of Western Sydney
LINEAR KINETICS:
119. Define linear Momentum, provide its symbol/s, unit of measurement and state
whether it is a scalar or vector quantity.
120. How can the momentum of an object be increased?
121. Can an object that is stationary have momentum?
122. Explain what is meant by Conservation of Momentum.
123. Define linear Impulse; provide its unit of measurement.
124. Impulse is represented by the area under which type of graph?
125. Explain the Impulse Momentum relationship.
126. Explain how the Impulse Momentum relationship can be manipulated to gain a
performance advantage.
127. An Impact is defined as a collision between two bodies that is characterised by
what?
128. Most impacts lie on a continuum between two theoretical endpoints that are
represented by what type of collisions?
129. What does the Coefficient of Restitution (e) represent?
130. List and explain FOUR factors that can affect the coefficient of restitution between
two bodies.


WORK, POWER & ENERGY:
131. Define mechanical Work; provide its symbol/s and unit of measurement.
132. Is mechanical work done when a muscle contracts isometrically?
133. Differentiate between +ve and ve work.
134. Define Power; provide its symbol/s and unit of measurement.
135. If work remains constant, what must be done to exert more power?
136. Power sports such as jumping, throwing and sprinting require the ability to do what?
137. Differentiate between Energy and Mechanical Energy.
138. What are the units used to measure energy?
139. Define Kinetic Energy; provide its symbol/s and unit of measurement.
140. A moving body has kinetic energy and thus the capacity to do what?
141. Define Potential Energy; provide its symbol/s and unit of measurement.
142. Potential is considered what kind of energy?
143. Define Strain Energy; provide its symbol/s and unit of measurement.
144. List 5 examples where strain energy plays an important role in movement
performance.
145. The Law of Conservation of Energy states that
146. Energy cannot be created or destroyed. Therefore how can it be gained or removed
by a body?
147. A special relationship exists between work and energy. What is this relationship?


TORQUE:
148. What is meant by the term static equilibrium?
149. Define Torque; provide its symbol/s and unit of measurement.
150. The perpendicular distance from the line of action of a force to the axis of rotation is
known as the what?
151. Under what circumstances are torques produced?
152. You have a flat and are having great difficulty loosening a nut on your car tyre.
Explain how you could generate greater torque so that the nut can be loosened.
153. Explain why it is easier to push open a door by applying the force further from the
hinge side of the door.
400882 Introduction to Biomechanics: Exam Study Questions
Copyright 2008: The University of Western Sydney
154. Explain the convention used to describe the direction of rotation caused by applying a
torque.
155. Explain how / why the resistance changes during a bicep curl and at which point the
resistance is greatest.


LEVERS:
156. What is a lever?
157. Name the 3 main features found in a lever system.
158. Name and describe (with the aid of diagrams) the 3 main types / classes of levers
systems.
159. Which is the most common lever type in the human body?
160. What two mechanical advantages can lever systems provide?
161. What effect is produce by a lever system where the resistance arm is greater than
the force arm?
162. What effect is produce by a lever system where the resistance arm is shorter than the
force arm?
163. What mechanical advantage does a second class lever always have?
164. What mechanical advantage does a third class lever always have?
165. List four things that can affect the joint torques produced from muscle contractions.


CENTRE OF GRAVITY & STABILITY:
166. What is meant by the term dynamic equilibrium?
167. The centre of gravity refers to what part of a body?
168. The COG is also synonymously referred to as what?
169. Where is the COG located in a perfectly symmetrical object?
170. Is it possible for the COG to be located outside an object and if so, provide an
example?
171. The COG is used as a reference for analysis during which types of motion?
172. List TWO methods for determining the COG.
173. Define Stability.
174. Define Balance.
175. Explain the differences between stable, unstable and neutral equilibrium and
provide examples for each.
176. List the FOUR factors stability is dependent on?
177. Explain why a position of minimal stability is advantageous in swimming starts.
178. When all other factors are held constant, what FIVE principles of stability could
improve a bodys ability to maintain equilibrium?

ANGULAR KINETICS:
179. Define Moment of Inertia; provide its symbol/s and unit of measurement.
180. Which has greater affect on the moment of inertia of a body: The total mass or where
the mass is distributed relative to the axis of rotation?
181. Why is it difficult to determine the moment of inertia for the body?
182. What is the radius of gyration?
183. Is the radius of gyration the same point as the COG for that segment?
184. Explain, with respect to moment of inertia, how and why childrens sporting
equipment varies from that of adults.
185. Explain which somatotypes (body shape and size) are suited to sports like
gymnastics and diving.
186. Define Angular Momentum; provide its symbol/s and unit of measurement.
400882 Introduction to Biomechanics: Exam Study Questions
Copyright 2008: The University of Western Sydney
187. Can an object have angular momentum without any angular velocity?
188. What is meant by the principle of Conservation of Momentum?
189. Explain how an athlete can transfer angular momentum from one axis of rotation to
another.
190. If angular momentum cannot be gained or lost once a body is rotating in the air, how
then does a diver increase their rate of somersaulting during a dive?
191. Define Angular Impulse.
192. Explain the link between angular impulse and angular momentum.
193. Define Angular Work, and provide its unit of measurement.
194. The angular work done by a muscle is either positive or negative. Differentiate
between the two and indicate the muscle contraction types associated with each.
195. Define Angular Power, and provide its unit of measurement.
196. The Analogue of Newtons 1
st
Law of Motion states that ...
197. Give an example of the analogue of Newtons 1
st
law of motion.
198. The Analogue of Newtons 2
nd
Law of Motion states that ...
199. Give an example of the analogue of Newtons 2
nd
law of motion.
200. The Analogue of Newtons 3
rd
Law of Motion states that ...
201. Give an example of the analogue of Newtons 3
rd
law of motion.


CENTRIPETAL AND CENTRIFUGAL FORCES:
202. Define Centripetal Force.
203. Centripetal forces always act in which direction?
204. What is an alternative name given to centripetal force?
205. Centripetal forces are associated with which acceleration?
206. The magnitude of centripetal force is most influenced by which property?
207. Define Centrifugal Force.
208. Centrifugal forces always act in which direction?
209. What is an alternative name given to centrifugal force?
210. Can either centripetal or centrifugal force exist without the other?


THE GAIT CYCLE:
211. Gait is divided into which two phases?
212. What percentage is spent in each gait phase during walking?
213. What percentage is spent in each gait phase during running?
214. Define each of the following terms in relation to gait:
i. Stance.
ii. Flight / Swing
iii. Single Support
iv. Double Support
v. Initial Contact / Heel strike
vi. Heel Lift
vii. Toe Off
viii. Flat Foot / Fore Foot Loading
ix. Step
x. Stride
xi. Cadence / Frequency

215. Walking is defined by what?
216. Running is defined by what?
400882 Introduction to Biomechanics: Exam Study Questions
Copyright 2008: The University of Western Sydney
217. Draw and label VGRF plots for both walking and running and indicate any points
(peaks) of interest.
218. What factors can influence the GRFs in running?
219. Define each of the factors that directly influence walking & running speed.
220. How can a runner increase their running speed?
221. Stride length is a function of what?
222. Why should over-striding be minimised?
223. What is Pace in relation to running gait?
224. Explain how / why velocity changes during ground contact when walking and running.
225. What must a person do to ensure a constant velocity when walking or running?


FLUID MECHANICS:
226. What is a Fluid?
227. Explain what is meant by the term Relative Velocity.
228. Define Laminar Flow.
229. Explain what Turbulence is and how it is created.
230. Define Density; provide its symbol/s and unit of measurement.
231. List in order of most dense to least dense the following substances: Muscle, Water,
Fat, Air and Bone.
232. Define Specific Weight; provide its symbol/s and unit of measurement.
233. What affect would increasing the density and specific weight of a fluid have on the
force exerted by that fluid on another body?
234. Viscosity refers to what?
235. Increasing the viscosity of a fluid would result in what occurring?
236. In what ways do temperature and pressure influence the density and viscosity of
fluids?
237. Define Buoyancy.
238. Archimedes Principle states that
239. In which direction do buoyant forces always act?
240. What affect does increasing the density of a fluid have on the buoyant force that fluid
is capable of exerting?
241. The Centre of Volume refers to what?
242. What determines whether a body will float or not?
243. For most swimmers, floating occurs when?
244. Why dont most people float level with their body parallel to the surface of the water?
245. What is Drag and in which direction does it usually act?
246. From the formula for drag, list and explain the affect these four factors have on the
magnitude of drag force.
247. What affect would high altitude have on total drag?
248. Name the THREE components of drag.
249. What two other names are often given to Surface Drag?
250. Define and explain Surface Drag.
251. Explain how surface drag is minimised in some sports.
252. What two other names are often given to Form Drag?
253. Define and explain Form Drag.
254. The magnitude of form drag is dependent on what 3 things?
255. Explain how Streamlining can minimise form drag and provide 2 examples.
256. How does the tear drop shape of a track cycling helmet decrease from drag?
257. How do the dimples on a golf ball decrease from drag?
258. Explain how Wave Drag is generated.
259. Explain how wave drag can be minimised.
400882 Introduction to Biomechanics: Exam Study Questions
Copyright 2008: The University of Western Sydney
260. What are Lift Forces and in which direction do they act?
261. Bernoullis Principle states that
262. How do foil shapes provide lift forces?
263. How can lift force be increased?
264. Define Angle of Attack.
265. Explain the Lift / Drag Ratio.
266. What is a Magnus Force and under what conditions can it be observed?
267. Which motion results from a Magnus force being applied to a ball?
268. List TWO ways that the Magnus force experienced by an object can be increased.
269. Name and explain two theories on how swimmers propel themselves through water.


HUMAN TISSUE BIOMECHANICS:
270. The effect forces have on the body depend on what 3 things?
271. Define / explain each of the following:
i. Compression
ii. Tension
iii. Shear
iv. Mechanical Stress
v. Torsion
vi. Bending
vii. Combined Loading
272. What substances constitute the major building blocks of bone?
273. What substance gives bones their stiffness and compressive strength?
274. What substance gives bones their flexibility and tensile strength?
275. How porous bones are is dependent on what?
276. When classifying bone based on porosity, low porosity and high porosity bones are
respectively named as what?
277. Describe the differences between cortical and trabecular bone in relation to their
mechanical properties.
278. When is bone strongest?
279. When is bone weakest?
280. Old Mother Hubbard went to the cupboard to fetch poor Rover a what?
281. Under which forces are bones less likely to maintain their structural integrity?
282. The presence or absence of force on bones can result in what occurring?
283. Which cell types are responsible for building and reabsorbing bone, respectively?
284. Explain the role of Articular Cartilage.
285. Explain the role of Articular Fibrocartilage
286. What affect has exercise shown on Articular Connective Tissue such as Tendons
and Ligaments?
287. Define Joint Stability.
288. Joint stability is influenced by what?
289. What effect do fatigued muscles have on joint stability and why?
290. Explain joint Flexibility and Range of Movement.
291. What 4 behavioural properties do muscles exhibit?
292. Explain each of the following muscle contraction types:
i. Concentric
ii. Eccentric
iii. Isometric
iv. Isokinetic
v. Isotonic
400882 Introduction to Biomechanics: Exam Study Questions
Copyright 2008: The University of Western Sydney
293. What biomechanical considerations are affected by muscle characteristics when
muscle tension is developed?
294. What is Muscle Tetanus and the affect caused if it is prolonged?
295. What is a Motor Unit and what role do they play in muscle contraction?
296. Which muscle fibre types are innervated first during contraction and why?
297. Explain several differences between Slow Twitch and Fast Twitch muscle fibres.
298. List the two main types of muscle fibre arrangement and different effects they
produce.
299. What are Tendons and what do they do?
300. Tendons and muscles are joined at the what?
301. Explain the Force Velocity Relationship.
302. Explain the Force Length Relationship.
303. The Force Time Relationship indicates what?
304. What is Electromechanical Delay (EMD)?
305. What effect do muscle length, contraction type, contraction velocity and fatigue have
on EMD?
306. What does a high % of FT fibres and / or training have on the time taken to develop
maximal force in a muscle?
307. Define Muscular Strength.
308. The Torque generated at a joint by a muscle is dependent on what?
309. Tension / Force development in a muscle is dependent on what?
310. Muscle Power is equal to what?
311. The production of maximum muscle power is dependent on what?
312. What is Muscular Endurance?
313. List 5 common muscle injuries sustained during sporting pursuits.
314. Who is the biggest legend for supplying you with these study guide questions?

Congratulations!! If you made it to here I expect you to do well in the exam.
Best of Luck! PC.

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