How Do Chipper, Kobe, Serena and Rory Do It? What Physics Has to Say About Achievements in Sports

Presented on January 28, 2013 from 3:00 to 4:00 pm, L3, Howey Physics Building.Cüneyt Can is a professor of physics at Middle East Technical University (METU), in Ankara, Turkey, which is internationally accredited and the leading state university. After completing his undergraduate studies at METU, Dr. Can earned his Master's and PhD degrees from Kansas State University in atomic physics. Following post-doctoral work at Texas A&M University, he returned to Turkey and to METU, where he has worked for the past 23 years. Until the completion of his term in 2012, he held the position of Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences.Runtime: 60:09 minutes.A great part of physics deals with motion, and the essence of sports is the human body in motion. The components of the human body that produce motion, namely the skeletal muscles and bones, and the sports equipment itself are bound by the laws of physics. Aspects of various sports, including baseball, basketball, karate, figure skating, golf, tennis, long jump, and more, will be examined using introductory-level physics. We will also discuss whether we have reached our limits in human performance in certain sports. All who appreciate the workings of the human body and the laws of science dictating performance in sports are welcome