Chapter 5, Problem 109A

To determine

The physics used in swimming during Olympics by swimmers to reduce water resistance.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

When an object moves relative to a surface, it opposes the motion of object. This property of opposition is known as friction. Every surface/medium provides different amount friction. For an instance, friction slows down of a cart when it is moved on a road or the drag experienced while doing swimming.

The water provides a high amount of drag or friction to swimmer. The swimmers use caps during swimming which reduce the water resistance as it eliminates the drag from the swimmer hair which will help the swimmer to swim faster. Also, swimmers shave off hair from legs, head and hand in order to over come friction. Their leg and arm movements are in such a way that minimizes surface area in contact with water to reduce the drag.