Swimming and Work: The Positive and Negative Effects on the Body

In summary, when swimming in standing water, both positive and negative work is done. Your arms and legs push the water behind you, while the water pushes back on you, according to Newton's Third Law. This can be compared to a boat and propeller, where the motion through the water allows for both positive and negative work. After swimming, one may feel tired or worn out, similar to standing with a sumo wrestler or fat man on them.
  • #1
praveen933
2
0
which kind of work is done while swimming? positive or negative?
explain.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
What kind of work do you think? How do you feel after a swim? Tired? Worn out?
 
  • #3
What is our opinion about people posting their homework here? Positive or negative? Explain.
 
  • #4
i think its both. + and -.
 
  • #5
If you're swimming in standing water (i.e. a pool), then your arms and legs 'push' the water behind you backward, displacing the water backward (and outward as well), so you do positive work on the water. According to Newton's Third Law, the water pushes back on your arms and legs with a force equal in magnitude but in a direction opposite the force your arms and legs apply to the water, thereby displacing you forward, so the water does positive work on you as well.
 
  • #6
praveen933 said:
which kind of work is done while swimming? positive or negative?
explain.

Replace yourself with a boat and a propellor. Would the motion of the boat through the water allow you to connect a generator to the propellor and charge a battery for ever - or would the boat slow down?
 
  • #7
SteamKing said:
What kind of work do you think? How do you feel after a swim? Tired? Worn out?
Take this example you stand with a sumo wrestler/fat man on you How do you feel ? Tired? Worn out?
 

Related to Swimming and Work: The Positive and Negative Effects on the Body

1. How does swimming contribute to overall fitness?

Swimming is a low-impact form of exercise that works multiple muscle groups and improves cardiovascular health. It can help build endurance, strengthen muscles, and increase flexibility. Additionally, water's resistance makes swimming a great full-body workout.

2. Is swimming a good way to lose weight?

Yes, swimming can be an effective way to lose weight. As a form of cardiovascular exercise, swimming burns calories and can help create a calorie deficit, leading to weight loss. However, the amount of weight loss will depend on factors such as intensity and duration of the swim, as well as diet and overall lifestyle.

3. How does water affect the amount of work done during swimming?

Water provides resistance, which means that more effort is required to move through it compared to other forms of exercise. This resistance can increase the amount of work done during swimming and help build strength and endurance. However, water also provides buoyancy, which can make swimming feel easier compared to activities on land.

4. Can swimming be considered a full-body workout?

Yes, swimming involves using multiple muscle groups in the arms, legs, core, and back. It can also improve cardiovascular health, making it a well-rounded form of exercise. You can increase the full-body workout aspect by incorporating different strokes and varying the intensity and duration of your swim.

5. How can one increase the amount of work done during swimming?

To increase the amount of work done during swimming, you can vary the intensity and duration of your swim or incorporate different strokes. You can also try using resistance tools such as kickboards or pull buoys, which can make the workout more challenging. Additionally, maintaining proper form and technique can help maximize the efficiency of your swim and increase the amount of work done.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • Classical Physics
Replies
26
Views
760
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
0
Views
136
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
12
Views
2K
Replies
22
Views
1K
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
148
Replies
7
Views
2K
Back
Top