Throwing and jumping for maximum horizontal range
arXiv:physics/0601148
Abstract
Optimum projection angles for achieving maximum horizontal range in throwing and jumping events are considerably less than 45 degrees. This unexpected result arise because an athlete can generate a greater projection velocity at low projection angles than at high angles. The range of a projectile is strongly dependent on projection speed and so the optimum projection angle is biased towards low projection angles. Here we examine the velocity-angle relation and the optimum projection angle in selected throwing and jumping events.
Submitted to American Journal of Physics. 6 pages, 11 Figures