Physics of Jumping: How Force Affects Height

In summary, jumping is explained by the physics of force and work. Before jumping, we crouch to provide a path for our muscles to exert force on the ground. This force is larger than the force of gravity and pushes us up. The impulse of force has an effect on the height of the jump, as a shorter jump time results in a greater pushing force and work.
  • #1
pinsky
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Hello there!

I was thinking about jumping the other day. How would one explain jumping by physics.

So, before you jump, you always bend your knees. This knee bending, from my point of view shouldn't be analogized with the build up elastic energy, since the force that will cause the jump will come from outside of the observing system :) (from the contractions of our muscles).

Therefor, the crouching serves only to provide the path on which a force of our muscles cad do work on.

So now, let's say we're starting to jump (from the crouched position). We're starting to exert a force on the ground which replays back with the same force which is larger that the force that it generally exerts do to our weight.

So since that force is larger that the force of gravity, it is that force that actually gives us a push up. So if you concentrate on this fact while you jump, you can actually feel the ground pushing you.

So now, does the impulse of force has any effect on how high we jump (if in the end the integral of force and path equal always the same work) ?
 
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  • #2
pinsky said:
So now, does the impulse of force has any effect on how high we jump (if in the end the integral of force and path equal always the same work) ?
If the impulse is the same but the time of the jump is shorter the pushing force will be greater and so will the work.
 

1. What is the physics behind jumping?

Jumping involves the application of force to overcome gravity. When we jump, we push off the ground with our feet, which creates an upward force. This force must be greater than the force of gravity pulling us down in order for us to leave the ground.

2. How does force affect the height of a jump?

The amount of force applied to the ground determines the height of a jump. The greater the force, the higher the jump. This is because a larger force creates a greater upward acceleration, allowing the body to reach a greater height before gravity pulls it back down.

3. What other factors besides force can affect the height of a jump?

Besides force, the height of a jump can also be affected by the speed and angle of the jump. A faster jump will result in a greater force and thus a higher jump. The angle at which the force is applied can also impact the height of the jump, as a more vertical force will result in a higher jump compared to a more horizontal force.

4. How does the body's center of mass play a role in jumping?

The center of mass is the point in the body where all of its mass is concentrated. In jumping, the body's center of mass must be raised above the ground in order to achieve height. This is why we bend our knees and push off the ground with our legs, in order to raise our center of mass and achieve a higher jump.

5. Can jumping be improved through physics principles?

Yes, understanding the physics behind jumping can help us improve our jumping abilities. By manipulating factors such as force, speed, and angle, we can increase the height of our jumps. Additionally, proper training and technique, such as maximizing the use of our leg muscles, can also lead to higher jumps based on physics principles.

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