Outline why some swimmers find it easier to float than others. (3 marks)
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- Individual differences in body composition and muscle-to-fat ratio affect average total body density.
- Higher density bodies sink more easily than water.
- The relationship between centre of gravity and centre of buoyancy varies between individuals.
- This occurs due to different body shapes and mass distribution.
- These variations in density and centre of gravity location directly influence flotation ability.
- Each person’s natural body position in water is affected differently.
- For example, a muscular swimmer with low body fat may experience leg sinking during flotation.
- In contrast, a swimmer with higher body fat percentage maintains horizontal position effortlessly.
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- Individual differences in body composition and muscle-to-fat ratio affect average total body density.
- Higher density bodies sink more easily than water.
- The relationship between centre of gravity and centre of buoyancy varies between individuals.
- This occurs due to different body shapes and mass distribution.
- These variations in density and centre of gravity location directly influence flotation ability.
- Each person’s natural body position in water is affected differently.
- For example, a muscular swimmer with low body fat may experience leg sinking during flotation.
- In contrast, a swimmer with higher body fat percentage maintains horizontal position effortlessly.