How Does Physics Influence Skateboarding Trick Inventions?

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In summary, Rodney Mullen is a well-known skateboarder who is credited with inventing the kickflip and many other skateboarding tricks. He was able to invent these tricks because of his knowledge of physics and math, specifically concepts such as force, work, energy, friction, gravity, motion, acceleration, conservation of momentum, and center of gravity. He studied Bio Medical Engineering in college and had a high GPA. Many of these tricks are not entirely new, but rather variations on older tricks. The main difference is the addition of jumps, combinations, and grinding moves, which would have been impossible with older skateboards.
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Ok so there is this guy name Rodney Mullen who invented tons and tons of skateboarding tricks and he is most known for inventing the kickflip which then lead to several other tricks.

So I have heard people say that he was able to invent these tricks and several other tricks because of his knowledge of physics and math. So how is this possible? What were some of the properties of physics that he applied to be able to invent these tricks?

Here is some of his footage:

This is some of his most technical stuff: [MEDIA=youtube]DkYW6Jyw0vE[/MEDIA][/URL]

This is some older footage (bad music): [PLAIN][MEDIA=youtube]vs5Oe7unAwA[/MEDIA][/URL]

And this is his newest footage its good but not as good: [PLAIN][MEDIA=youtube]pPTtdPn-VSY[/MEDIA][/URL]

Oh and Rodney Mullen went to college for about 4 years and tuck Bio Medical Engineering and had a 3.96 average.
 
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  • #2
Theres nothing really very advanced about it. Namely force, work, and energy...All things you learn about in High School.
 
  • #3
Understanding these tricks from a scientific perspective would require understanding principles of friction, gravity, motion, acceleration. Concepts such as conservation of momentum and center of gravity also have importance. It might be useful to be able to apply these concepts to cartesian, cylindrical, and spherical coordinates systems.
 
  • #4
I'm not sure how many tricks are really that new.

In the 1960's kids were jumping up curbs with their boards, the original ollie.

The main difference is all the jumps combos and grinding moves, this would have broke the old skateboards.
 

FAQ: How Does Physics Influence Skateboarding Trick Inventions?

How does friction affect skateboarding?

Friction is an important factor in skateboarding as it determines how easily the skateboard can roll and how much control the skater has. Too much friction can slow down the skateboard and make it difficult to maneuver, while too little friction can cause the skateboard to slip and be hard to control. Skateboard wheels and bearings are designed to reduce friction, allowing for smooth and controlled movement.

What is the role of gravity in skateboarding?

Gravity is what keeps the skateboard and the skater on the ground. When the skater pushes off the ground, gravity pulls them back down, creating the forward motion. Gravity also affects jumps and tricks, as the skater must overcome it to achieve height and maintain balance.

How does the shape of a skateboard affect its performance?

The shape of a skateboard plays a significant role in its performance. A wider and longer board provides more stability, while a narrower and shorter board allows for more agility and easier maneuvering. The shape of the skateboard deck also affects how it responds to flips and other tricks.

What is the impact of air resistance on skateboarding?

Air resistance, also known as drag, can affect the speed and control of a skateboard. The faster a skateboard is moving, the more air resistance it experiences. This can make it difficult to maintain balance and control at high speeds. Skateboarders often adjust their body position and use techniques, such as tucking, to minimize air resistance and increase speed.

How does energy conservation apply to skateboarding?

In skateboarding, energy conservation refers to the principle that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred from one form to another. For example, when a skater drops into a half-pipe, the potential energy they had at the top is converted into kinetic energy as they gain speed. This energy is then transferred into the ramp as they perform tricks, and back into potential energy as they reach the top of the ramp again.

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