Calculating Linear Velocity for Volleyball Spike: Any Help Appreciated!

In summary, the question is about finding the linear velocity at the end of the arm segments during a volleyball spike, with given measurements and rotations. The approach is to consider the arm-hand system as three separate rigid rotators and calculate the linear velocity for each segment, then add them together to determine the final velocity of the volleyball.
  • #1
stuart_5
3
0
Below is a question I will need to know well for my exam coming up. I don't even know where to start or what the steps are? I am very overwhelmed here...:eek:

A volleyball spike begins with the arm overhead, the shoulder and elbow are flexed and the wrist is hyperextended. The upper arm is .6m and the forearm is .3m and the hand is .1m long. The time of spike is .1 seconds, and the changes in position of each joint is: Shoulder = 30 degrees, Elbow = 70 degrees, Wrist = 140 degress.
What is the linear velocity at the end of the distal endpoint of each segment at the end of the segment's rotation?

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated... Thank you.
 
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  • #2
I think you're supposed to consider the arm-hand system as being three separate rigid rotators which are connected end to end. I also think that you're supposed to assume they do not undergo angular acceleration. So, in the space of 0.1 seconds the shoulder rotates 30 degrees, on the end of that the elbow rotates 70 degrees, and then the wrist rotates 140 degrees. For each rotation, working from the shoulder out, you need to figure out what the linear velocity at the end of the relevant arm segment is, then add them all up to find the final velocity of the volleyball.
 
  • #3


I would be happy to help you with calculating the linear velocity for a volleyball spike. First, let's break down the steps for solving this problem:

1. Identify the variables: In this case, the variables we need to consider are the lengths of the upper arm, forearm, and hand, the time of the spike, and the changes in position of each joint (shoulder, elbow, and wrist).

2. Convert units: It's important to ensure that all the units are consistent. If necessary, convert all the lengths to meters and the time to seconds.

3. Calculate the angular velocity: Angular velocity is the rate at which an object rotates. In this case, we need to calculate the angular velocity for each joint using the changes in position and the time of the spike. The formula for angular velocity is ω = Δθ/Δt, where ω is the angular velocity, Δθ is the change in position, and Δt is the time.

4. Calculate the linear velocity: Linear velocity is the rate of change of an object's position in a straight line. To calculate the linear velocity, we can use the formula v = ωr, where v is the linear velocity, ω is the angular velocity, and r is the radius of the object. In this case, the radius is the length of each segment (upper arm, forearm, and hand).

5. Calculate the final linear velocity: To find the final linear velocity at the end of each segment, we need to consider the linear velocities of all the segments. The final velocity will be the sum of the linear velocities of all the segments.

I hope this helps you understand the steps for calculating the linear velocity for a volleyball spike. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to ask. Good luck on your exam!
 

Related to Calculating Linear Velocity for Volleyball Spike: Any Help Appreciated!

1. What is linear velocity?

Linear velocity is a measure of the rate at which an object moves in a straight line, and is typically measured in meters per second (m/s).

2. How is linear velocity calculated?

Linear velocity is calculated by dividing the distance traveled by the time it took to travel that distance. The formula for linear velocity is v = d/t, where v is the linear velocity, d is the distance, and t is the time.

3. How do you calculate linear velocity for a volleyball spike?

To calculate linear velocity for a volleyball spike, you will need to measure the distance the ball travels from the point of contact with the player's hand to the point of contact with the other side of the court. You will also need to time how long it takes for the ball to travel that distance. Once you have these values, you can use the formula v = d/t to calculate the linear velocity.

4. What factors can affect linear velocity in a volleyball spike?

The main factors that can affect linear velocity in a volleyball spike are the speed and strength of the player's arm swing, the angle at which the ball is hit, and the weight and air resistance of the ball. Additionally, the height and position of the player can also impact linear velocity.

5. How can calculating linear velocity for a volleyball spike be helpful?

Calculating linear velocity for a volleyball spike can be helpful in analyzing and improving a player's performance. It can provide insight into the player's strength, speed, and technique, and can also help coaches and trainers identify areas for improvement. Additionally, knowing the linear velocity can help players better anticipate and react to the trajectory of the ball during a game.

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