Final answer:
Bodysuits worn by athletes such as swimmers and cyclists reduce drag and improve hydrodynamics, aiding performance. However, they can cause overheating and restricted mobility. The correct option highlighting the pros and cons of these suits is (c) Improved hydrodynamics; and restricted mobility.
Step-by-step explanation:
Athletes such as swimmers and bicyclists often wear body suits during competitions to gain a performance edge. These body suits are designed to minimize drag, which is a form of resistance that occurs when a body moves through a fluid (like air or water) or when a fluid moves around a body. The suits function by improving the athlete's hydrodynamics or aerodynamics, depending on the sport.
The pros of wearing body suits include significant reductions in drag force, which enables the athlete to move more efficiently. The tightness of the suit can reduce the athlete's surface area, offering a sleeker form that slips through the water or air with less resistance. This is effective in sports history, such as when Australian Cathy Freeman won the gold medal wearing a full-body suit in the 2000 Sydney Olympics, or when numerous swimming world records were broken during the 2008 Beijing Olympics by athletes wearing Speedo body suits.
However, there are also cons associated with these suits. The tightness, while reducing surface area, can also cause cramping and breathing difficulties. Moreover, the suits can lead to overheating as they retain heat, especially during prolonged use. Restrictions in mobility and possible increases in muscle fatigue are additional drawbacks to consider. These effects must be carefully balanced to ensure that the suits provide more benefits than disadvantages during competition. To conclude, while body suits can offer performance benefits by improving hydrodynamics and reducing water resistance, they can also have negative impacts such as restricted mobility and the potential for overheating. The correct options from the initial list, considering the pros and cons discussed, would be (c) Improved hydrodynamics; and restricted mobility.