Connecting the Dots: Sinusoidal Motion

Raw data sometimes consists of individual points of information which are difficult or impossible to connect in a meaningful way. Scientific processes require collecting data in a purposeful manner, to elucidate the connections between different phenomena.

Consider the following graph, excerpted from the series The Science of Exercise Equipment from Schottenbauer Publishing:

Discussion Questions

1. Connect the dots in the graph, to reveal the pattern of motion of the bike pedal.
2. Draw the bike pedal in motion, labeling at least 4 points in time.
3. What are the minimum and maximum x-positions of the pedal? 
4. What are the minimum and maximum y-positions of the pedal? 
5. How many pedal rotations are shown in the graph? 
6. What is the average time of one rotation?
7. What occurs at the end of the graph?

The following books from Schottenbauer Publishing contain a more extensive collection of graphs and data pertaining to the science of athletic training:

Graphs & Data for Science Lab: Multi-Volume Series

• The Science of the Athletic Training
• Volume 1: Force, Velocity, Acceleration
• Volume 2: Biophysics
• Volume 3: Video Analysis
• Volume 4: Video Analysis
• The Science of Exercise Equipment
• Volume 1: Force, Velocity, Acceleration
• Volume 2: Biophysics
• Volume 3: Video Analysis
• Volume 4: Video Analysis

• The Science of Gymnastics
• Volume 1: Force, Velocity, Acceleration
• Volume 2: Biophysics
• Volume 3: Video Analysis
• Volume 4: Video Analysis
• The Science of Yoga, Pilates, & Ballet
• Volume 1: Force, Velocity, Acceleration
• Volume 2: Biophysics
• Volume 3: Video Analysis
• Volume 4: Video Analysis

Additional Information

Schottenbauer Publishing

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