Olympic physics: the science behind the sports
So much is different about the 2021 Olympics compared to previous Summer Games, but the fundamental principles underlying the sports are unchanging.
Force, momentum, gravity, torque, hydrodynamics, aerodynamics -- the same rules of physics apply to all athletes, regardless of the countries they represent. Those who reach the podium push the limits of what the human body can do within this universal rulebook.
Download our free "Physics of Olympic Sports" poster, and feel free to share the images below.
Further exploration
About PI
Perimeter Institute is the world’s largest research hub devoted to theoretical physics. The independent Institute was founded in 1999 to foster breakthroughs in the fundamental understanding of our universe, from the smallest particles to the entire cosmos. Research at Perimeter is motivated by the understanding that fundamental science advances human knowledge and catalyzes innovation, and that today’s theoretical physics is tomorrow’s technology. Located in the Region of Waterloo, the not-for-profit Institute is a unique public-private endeavour, including the Governments of Ontario and Canada, that enables cutting-edge research, trains the next generation of scientific pioneers, and shares the power of physics through award-winning educational outreach and public engagement.
