Final answer:
Considerations for padded gloves include Impact Protection, Comfort and Flexibility, Breathability, and Durability. Padding reduces force by increasing the time over which force is applied, as explained by the impulse-momentum theorem. Calculations can show the protective benefits of padding in lessening impact force in sports like boxing.
Step-by-step explanation:
When considering padded gloves like boxing gloves, several factors are important. The main considerations for padded gloves are Impact Protection, Comfort and Flexibility, Breathability, and Durability. Impact Protection is the primary function of padded gloves, intended to lessen the force of a blow; Comfort and Flexibility ensure that the wearer can move their hands freely; Breathability is essential to prevent too much heat and sweat from building up inside the gloves during use; and Durability is important for the gloves to withstand repeated use without breaking down.
Using physics, we understand that padding reduces force through the principle of impulse. The longer the time of impact, the more the force is spread out, resulting in a less severe blow. For example, when a boxing glove hits an opponent's face, the padding compresses, allowing more time for the force to be applied over the face, thus reducing the peak force. To calculate the force exerted by a boxing glove, we use the formula for impulse which accounts for the change in momentum over the time. If the glove and face compress more, the time over which the arm is brought to rest increases, thereby reducing the force according to the impulse-momentum theorem.
Calculations
To calculate the force exerted on an opponent's face by a boxing glove (a 7.00-kg arm and glove) brought to rest from 10.0 m/s over a compression distance of 7.50 cm, we can use the work-energy principle. The same principle can be applied to calculate the force exerted by an identical blow without gloves over a compression distance of 2.00 cm.
Comparison and Discussion
Comparing the magnitudes of force with and without the glove, the force with the glove on is lower due to the increased compression distance. This demonstrates how padded gloves serve their purpose in reducing the impact force of a blow. Even though the force is reduced, it can still be high enough to cause damage, highlighting the importance of padding in reducing injury risk in sports like boxing.