Newton's Third Law of Motion - Science of NFL Football

The video tutorial explains the physics behind tackling in NFL, focusing on Newton's third law of motion and the concept of momentum. It describes how momentum, defined as mass times velocity, plays a crucial role in tackling. The tutorial uses Newton's cradle to illustrate the conservation of momentum and differentiates between elastic and inelastic collisions, highlighting that football collisions are typically inelastic. Effective tackling techniques are discussed, emphasizing the importance of stopping the ball carrier's forward progress by directing energy efficiently.

What is the primary objective of a tackle in football?

• To gain possession of the ball

• To show off defensive skills

• To injure the opponent

• To stop the ball carrier and limit yardage

According to Newton's third law, what happens when you push against a body?

• The body moves away without resistance

• The body absorbs the force completely

• The body doubles the force back

• The body exerts an equal and opposite force back

What does the conservation of momentum imply in a collision?

• Momentum is lost after the collision

• Momentum is gained after the collision

• Momentum is irrelevant in collisions

• Total momentum remains the same before and after the collision

What is an elastic collision?

• A collision where kinetic energy is lost

• A collision where kinetic energy is conserved

• A collision that results in sound waves

• A collision that deforms the objects involved

Why are football collisions typically inelastic?

• Because they conserve kinetic energy

• Because they involve no sound

• Because they result in no deformation

• Because energy is dissipated through compression and sound