How high can salmon jump above water?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving the maximum height a salmon can jump above water when it breaks the surface at a speed of 5 meters per second. The scope includes mathematical reasoning and kinematic equations related to motion under gravity.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the problem and seeks guidance on how to approach it.
  • Another participant suggests using kinematic formulas to determine the time it takes for the salmon's velocity to reach zero after jumping, followed by calculating the maximum height.
  • A third participant emphasizes the assumption that the salmon jumps straight up at a 90-degree angle and mentions the gravitational constant of 9.8 meters per second squared.
  • A fourth participant provides a kinematic equation to solve for the distance (height) the salmon reaches, indicating the relationship between initial velocity, acceleration, and displacement.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the approach to solving the problem using kinematic equations, but there is no consensus on the specific calculations or methods to be used.

Contextual Notes

Assumptions include the salmon jumping straight up and the effects of gravity being constant. The discussion does not resolve any potential variations in the initial conditions or external factors affecting the jump.

Who May Find This Useful

Students working on physics problems related to kinematics and motion under gravity may find this discussion helpful.

Hollyleelee
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hi everyone! ok so i was doing my homework and i came upon this one problem which completely stummped me and so if someone could set me in the right direction i would be very thankful! here is the promblem: If a salmon swims sraight upward in the water fast enough to break through the suface at a speed of 5 meters per second, how high can it jump above water?
 
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Its initial velocity is 5m/s. This will steadily decrease because it is acted upon by constant acceleration g. Figure out using the kinematic formula for velocity as a function of time (with constant acceleration) how long it will take for its velocity to become zero (in mid air). And then, use this time in the formula for the height of the salmon as a function of time to get the maximum height it reaches.
 
Pretty straight forward. Assume it jumps straight up out of the water [90 degrees]. Next apply the gravitational constant [9.8 meters/sec^2] and do the math.
 
[tex]V^2 = {V_o}^2 + 2ad[/tex]

solve for d

[tex]\frac{-{V_o}^2}{2a} = d[/tex]
 

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