• Question: thanks guys for being very nice scientists? my extra question is what is the perfect angle for a javelin throw

    Asked by Willyam Hoont to Daniel, Giovanna, Greg, Kelly, Lowri on 16 Mar 2016.
    • Photo: Kelly Houton

      Kelly Houton answered on 16 Mar 2016:


      Hi Willyam,

      I don’t know too much about javelin- but after watching it on the tv they seem to throw at acute angles (less than 90 degrees)

    • Photo: Daniel Biggs

      Daniel Biggs answered on 16 Mar 2016:


      I have no idea. When you find out let me know.

    • Photo: Lowri Evans

      Lowri Evans answered on 17 Mar 2016:


      No absolute angle will guarantee the farthest distance on each throw. Wind speed and direction change the optimal angle of release significantly. Also, the strength and speed at which the thrower can produce changes the direction at which the javelin should be thrown. Before the 1986 change in javelins, some of the best throwers in the world would throw the javelin with as little as a 30-degree angle but at greater speed because they were able to hold onto the javelin longer, producing more force. Elite throwers now still use this method; however, the most common method is releasing the javelin at about a 40-degree angle, causing more lift and flight to the javelin.

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