Re: What are the energy transformations in the shot put?

The Energy used in putting a shot comes from the Body's ATP stores. ATP 
is a molecule that stores energy between the bonds of Adenosine and three 
Phosphate Ions. ATP is formed in the human body when the mitochondrion in 
cells breaks down glucose to release energy.

ATP is stored in human's muscles ready for short bursts of anaerobic 
effort such that used in Shot Put. The breakdown of ATP releases energy 
which allows muscle fibres to contract, moving the athlete's arm, the arm 
propels the put upwards and forward until it relinquishes contact with 
the athlete. After this, the only forces acting on the put are gravity & 
air resistance.

To maximise the putting distance, the athlete must maximise the 
horizontal force applied to the shot so that it can travel the maximum 
distance before gravity forces to fall the 1.8 or so metres to the 
ground. The athlete can further maximise the putting distance by putting 
it at an upward angle, causing the put to have a longer time in the air 
before it hits the ground. The longer time in air means that the put has 
a longer time at which to travel at the horizontal speed at which the 
athlete released the put. 

As the force created by the athlete is limited, any upwards force applied 
(putting at an elevated angle) reduces the amount of horizohntal force 
applied. For this reason the athlete must choose an optimal angle at 
which to project the put. Too high and the put will not have enough 
horizontal force on it to travel very far, too low and the put will fall 
to the ground to quickly.

Anyway . . . back to the energy transformations

1. ATP - Chemical Potential Energy
2. muscle contraction - Kinetic Energy
3. arm movement - Kinetic Energy
4. Shot put movement - Kinetic Energy & Gravitational Energy
5. collison with ground - Sound Energy & Heat Energy