Physics Essay -- Steer Wrestling Science Papers

Physics You can find a law of physics in everything that you do. It does not matter if you are doing complex scientific experiments, working as a laborer in a field, or enjoying your favorite pastime, you are involved in putting the laws of physics to work. I will try to demonstrate this as I discuss the laws of physics that are involved in my favorite pastime, which is steer wrestling. The art of steer wrestling is complex and simple all at the same time. To start, let’s define what exactly steer wrestling is. Steer wrestling is a rodeo event that is also known as bull dogging. This is the event where there are two mounted cowboys that run along the side of a steer. When they get close to the steer the cowboy on the left hand side climbs off onto the back of the steer, grabbing the steer by the horns. Keep in mind if you will that both the cowboys on the horses and the steer are running at full speeds while this dismounting is taking place. Once the cowboy has the steer by the horns, the cowboy must change the steer’s direction and wrestle him to the ground. Since this is a rodeo event and a competition, you have to do all of the above as fast as you can. Steer wrestling is a timed event that is started when the steer leaves the chute, and ends when the steer is lying on its side with all four feet facing the same direction. Now that we know what steer wrestling is, let’s tie it in with a couple of things that deal with physics. As I already mentioned above, the first step is crawling off of a horse that is running full speed onto the back of a cow that is traveling at its full speed as well. Any time you have masses traveling at speeds you have momentum. We will first discuss momentum and the changes in momentum th... ...ipetal force, and torque are just a couple of the many aspects of physics involved in this process. I believe that the use and understanding of physics can help in understanding why things work better then others, and how to be a more successful steer wrestler. A specific example is the fact that I now am more aware of where I locate my hands on a steer’s horn, and also I am more conscience is trying to be the center of mass. By being able to do this, I have taken my performance to a higher level and can back good ideas with proof from science. Bibliography 1.Kirkpatrick, Larry D. Wheeler, Gerald F. Physics: A World View. (Fourth Edition). Hartcourt, Inc. 2001. 2.Spence, Mike. â€Å"A Cowboy For All Eras† ProRodeo Sports News. 30 April, 2003. 3.Benton Franklin Fair & Rodeo. Steer Wrestling. 20 August, 2002. http://www.bffairrodeo.com/rodeo/steerwrestling.html