[duawLauff]

Shots for use in the Olympics have a mass of 7.26 kg. They must be spherical and made of a material no softer than brass. They can be hollow on the inside, or even contain another solid object within a hollow.

Interestingly, there is no specification of diameter.

I would probably have guessed that a smaller shot would be best as it would encounter less air resistance but apparently the professionals prefer larger shots (steel with some hollow centre) as it allows them to give a more even transfer of momentum from the whole of the hand.

The smallest shot that could be made from an ordinary earthly material would have a diameter of about 8.5 cm. A solid steel shot would be about 12.1 cm across. Men at the Olympics often use shots in the range of 12.5 to 13 cm across.

Previously on a garishly coloured forum I asked what would be the furthest that a human could throw an object, and what weight would that object have. The discussion broke down because of considerations of air effects: under good conditions a paper aeroplane could go for kilometres.

By keeping the object small and round I hope we can avoid that line of consideration... What would be the furthest that a human could throw a solid steel shot in still air? This should be a nicely closed question. Even the strongest human could not throw a 200 kg shot very far, and no matter who you are a 2 mg shot will not go far due to air resistance.

[endulundaSauh]

I wonder if golf ball like dimples would have a significant effect.

[DrCeshing]

Why wouldnt you have say a lead core and iron shell.

[Kayakeenemeds]

I assumed that everyone had to use the exact same shot...

Also, you can throw a golf ball very, very far...

[Imampaictjg]

I assumed that everyone had to use the exact same shot...

Also, you can throw a golf ball very, very far...

Yes but you arent throwing in shot put. You're putting.

[Quonuttott]

Yes but you arent throwing in shot put. You're putting.

Yes, but the question was about throwing:

What would be the furthest that a human could throw a solid steel shot in still air?

And my response about the golf ball was due to:

I wonder if golf ball like dimples would have a significant effect.

Which I know is not made from steel...

[emexiagog]

I would say the dimples may help, but it would be like by 2-3 cm at most.

[vipdumpp]

" I wonder if golf ball like dimples would have a significant effect. "

They would have the effect of a) getting you kicked out of the Olympics and b) not meeting the requirements of this puzzle, since both require smooth spherical shots.


" Why wouldnt you have say a lead core and iron shell. "

There's no reason in the world not to do that, and composites are used in the real sport, but to keep things simple I have asked a question about a solid steel shot.



" I assumed that everyone had to use the exact same shot..."

Alas, nay.

[JulietOreira]

Only those lines is it the same with the discus as well?

[Misiotoagodia]

Weight AND diameter are fixed for the discus, but exact shape and materials varies.

[Aafimoq]

http://www.lcsc.edu/mcollins/Biomech...rodynamics.htm

According to this just based on drag smaller shot would increase distance. It may not be as easy to put.

[SpecialOFFER]

I know the regulations were changed in javelin. They moved the weight forward to stop the ludicrous distances and the flat landings that were occuring.

[Plokiikmol]

Interestingly, in the women's competition, the top 30 discuss throws of all time are by Communist Bloc ladies in the 1980s, except for one throw by a Chinese lass in 1992.

The record is 76.80 m. The best throw in the 21st century is 70.69. In fact there's only one throw in the 21st century over 70 m. Anyone even REMOTELY competitive must have been on gear.

[diegogo]

Interestingly, in the women's competition, the top 30 puts of all time are by Communist Bloc ladies in the 1980s, except for one throw by a Chinese lass in 1992.

The record is 76.80 m. The best put in the 21st century is 70.69. In fact there's only one put in the 21st century over 70 m. Anyone even REMOTELY competitive must have been on gear.

Any record from before 1990 that still exists you have to be skeptical of IMO.

[SappyAppy]

The smallest shot that could be made from an ordinary earthly material would have a diameter of about 8.5 cm. A solid steel shot would be about 12.1 cm across.

What would that small diameter one be made of?

[annouhMus]

Any record from before 1990 that still exists you have to be skeptical of IMO.
Except for something like "longest break dancing session" or "most wins of the annual Gary Coleman lookalike contest".

[9uWzBx4l]

What would that small diameter one be made of? Glad you asked!

Osmium.

[chuecaloversvv]

Interestingly, in the women's competition, the top 30 discuss throws of all time are by Communist Bloc ladies in the 1980s, except for one throw by a Chinese lass in 1992.

The record is 76.80 m. The best throw in the 21st century is 70.69. In fact there's only one throw in the 21st century over 70 m. Anyone even REMOTELY competitive must have been on gear.

Heidi Krieger

East Germany, we make you man to compete.

[cingularring]

Glad you asked!

Osmium.

Ta.

[MipRippoomamn]

Platinum or Iridium would be about the same.

None of these would be inexpensive options...