The Physics of "Launching" Yourself at Someone

[UtahVol]

Probably has nothing to do with physics...its just when you launch yourself at somebody there is a higher probability of striking the head or kneck area of the opposing player.

I'm an engineer by education. Traditionally force is calculated by:

F = ma (force = mass * acceleration)

....but actually, if you ask a pure physicist, a more accurate definition of force is

F = (delta p)/(delta t)...(force = change in momentum / change in time)

Depending on the nature of the hit, you may be able to deliver more force if moving fast enough through the air. Couple that with the increased probability of head or neck blows and it is probably the reason they don't want player doing it.

My opinion anyway. Take it or leave it.

Your traditional physics definition of force explains why football has become so dangerous over time. The amount of force necessary to stop something depends on the mass and the time allowed to bring it to a stop. It takes considerably more force to stop a car going 40 miles per hour in one second when it hits a brick wall than when slowing using normal braking. Trying to extend the time to bring a mass to rest is the concept behind the airbag.

In football, players are bigger and faster which both increases the mass being stopped and the total force. The result is more pain and agony for players.