ABSTRACT
After reading the following chapter and undertaking personal study, you should be able to:
Distinguish between scalar and vector quantities.
Define the terms ‘speed’, ‘velocity’, ‘acceleration’, ‘mass’, ‘weight’ and ‘momentum’.
Define the term ‘force’ and distinguish between balanced and unbalanced forces.
Define the term ‘friction’ and relate it to the structure of synovial joints and to lubrication.
State Newton’s laws of motion and relate these to the body.
Describe what is meant by ‘force of gravity’ and relate this to prolonged standing and the effects of immobility.
State what the term ‘centre of gravity’ means and relate this to the stability of the body and to lifting.
Describe three forms of lever and give examples of each within the body.
Relate an understanding of levers to lifting techniques and back injury.
Distinguish between fixed and moveable pulleys and describe their operation.
Draw vector diagrams in order to resolve two forces acting simultaneously upon an object.
Relate pulleys and vectors to orthopaedic traction.
