Question

What is the magnitude and direction of the force required from your legs to jump a certain horizontal distance, R? Express the result in terms of your weight, W = mg. Assume that you project yourself into the jump by lowering your body and forcefully straightening your legs, so the force that launches you is applied over the extent of the crouching position, d. Also assume that you angle the direction of the applied force from your legs in such a way that the net force points in the optimal direction, the direction that maximizes the range, R, of your jump, which we know to be 45 degrees. The following prompts will help lead you to an expression for the applied force.

-Estimate reasonable numeric values for R and d.

-Draw a free-body-diagram to depict the forces on the jumper at takeoff.

-Express the acceleration required to achieve the takeoff velocity in terms of R and d.

-Analyze the forces and use the acceleration above to solve for the applied force in terms of the weight, W = mg.

-Can you solve for the applied force and its direction before substituting any numeric quantities? What is gained by doing so?

- What can you do to make yourself go further? Why would this be helpful

Answer 1