# The physics of sport

> Applying mechanics, energy, impulse and fluid ideas to sporting motion while separating a useful model from the messy real system.

Canonical: https://revise-gray.vercel.app/library?topic=wjec-alevel-physics.sports-physics
Last updated: 2026-08-01

Flagship subject: topics and specification statements are authored to the WJEC specification. No question in it has been through human review yet.

- Subject: [WJEC · A Level · Physics](https://revise-gray.vercel.app/library?subject=wjec-alevel-physics)
- Specification reference: Unit 4 Option C
- Difficulty: 4/5
- Assessment objectives: AO1, AO2, AO3
- Status: authored · checked · 2026-08-01

## Specification coverage

| Reference | Statement | AOs |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unit 4 Option C(a) | model projectile motion and evaluate the effect of air resistance | AO2, AO3 |
| Unit 4 Option C(b) | apply centre-of-mass and moment ideas to posture and movement | AO2, AO3 |
| Unit 4 Option C(c) | use impulse and momentum to analyse collisions and protective equipment | AO2 |
| Unit 4 Option C(d) | relate lift drag and fluid variables to sporting performance | AO1, AO2, AO3 |

## Summary

Applying mechanics, energy, impulse and fluid ideas to sporting motion while separating a useful model from the messy real system.

## What earns marks

- Projectile motion is resolved into independent horizontal and vertical components; air resistance couples them and must be modelled or measured when it matters.
- The centre of mass and line of action determine balance; moments about a joint explain how posture and lever arms change the required muscle force.
- Impulse equals change in momentum, so increasing contact time reduces average force for the same momentum change, as in landing mats or protective equipment.
- Lift and drag depend on speed, area, fluid density and shape; experimental data should distinguish a correlation from a causal performance claim.

## Where marks are lost

- Assuming horizontal velocity is constant when drag is significant.
- Using the distance from the joint rather than the perpendicular distance to a force line when taking moments.
- Confusing impulse with kinetic energy.

## Related

- [WJEC · A Level · Physics](https://revise-gray.vercel.app/library?subject=wjec-alevel-physics)
- [The physics of sport lesson](https://revise-gray.vercel.app/lesson?subject=wjec-alevel-physics&topic=wjec-alevel-physics.sports-physics)