Final answer:
Gymnasts and figure skaters utilize the conservation of angular momentum to control their spins and rotations during performance. Adjusting limb positions impacts the moment of inertia and consequently the rotation rate, with limbs closer to the body's rotation axis increasing the rate of spin. Calculations using kinematic equations enable predictions of motion, such as the number of revolutions during dismounts.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a gymnast performs maneuvers such as twists and flips, they are rotating around an axis that runs through their body. This concept is grounded in the physics principle of the conservation of angular momentum, which essentially states that if the net external torque on a system is zero, the total angular momentum of the system remains constant.
For instance, during a spin or twist, when a gymnast pulls their arms and legs closer to their body, they decrease their moment of inertia. According to the conservation of angular momentum, if the moment of inertia decreases, the rotation rate must increase to keep the angular momentum constant. This is why a gymnast or even a figure skater spins faster when they pull their limbs in close to the axis of rotation. It's the same principle illustrated when a figure skater increases their rate of spin by pulling their arms and extended leg closer to their axis of rotation.
Gymnasts tilt their bodies and adjust their form not only to control their spin rate but also to navigate through complex aerial paths and ensure a successful and safe landing. The use of kinematic equations can help predict the motion of a gymnast during dismounts, such as calculating the number of revolutions a gymnast can perform while descending from the high bar.