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233
Science Application
Sports and Levers
Without realizing it, people use the principle of leverage in many
sports, including tennis, baseball, and golf. For example, when a tennis
player serves a ball, the player’s arm and tennis racket work together as
a lever.
A pitcher on the mound winds up, draws the right side of his body
back and his left foot forward. Suddenly, he throws his weight forward,
flings his arm forward, and lets fly with a fast ball. His arm has been
used as a lever.
A golfer tries to keep his golf club on the correct swing path. As his
arm and club come back down, he reaches a point where the elbow and
right hip are close together. This position creates a lot of leverage.
Science Activity
Look at the three diagrams labeled A, B, and C. In each diagram,
state where the resistance, force, and fulcrum are found. Also state
whether the player’s movement is an example of a first, second, or third
class lever.
A B C