Minimum Speed for Daredevil to Jump 11m Canyon on 15 Degree Incline

In summary, a daredevil must achieve a minimum speed, which can be calculated using the acceleration of gravity and the distance of the canyon he needs to clear. Using the equations Vf^2 = 2a(delta d) + Vi^2 and Vf = at + Vi, the daredevil can determine the necessary velocity by setting up the problem in two dimensions and finding an equation that only involves the initial velocity, distance traveled, and constants. Then, by working backwards and knowing the distance he needs to travel, he can calculate the required velocity to clear the canyon.
  • #1
missashley
34
0
A daredevil jumps a canyon 11 m wide. To do so, he drives a car up a 15 degree incline.
Acceleration of gravity = 9.81 m/s^2
What minimum speed must he achieve to clear the canyon in m/s?

Homework Equations



Vf^2 = 2a(delta d) + Vi^2

Vf = at + Vi
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
missashley said:
A daredevil jumps a canyon 11 m wide. To do so, he drives a car up a 15 degree incline.
Acceleration of gravity = 9.81 m/s^2
What minimum speed must he achieve to clear the canyon in m/s?

Homework Equations



Vf^2 = 2a(delta d) + Vi^2

Vf = at + Vi

You are going to need a bit more than this to solve the problem: if there is jumping or throwing involved, you are usually going to need to look at the motion in two dimensions. What do you need to set this problem up? How do you describe where this person starts, where they're supposed to try to land, and how they traveled in between?
 
  • #3
Heres an idea: assume you know the velocity he took off. Now find out how far he traveled. Create an equation for it to only be in terms of his initial velocity, distance traveled and other constants. Then work backwards from here and find his velocity knowing how far he has to travel.
 

1. What is the concept of finding minimum speed?

The concept of finding minimum speed is a mathematical and scientific method used to determine the minimum velocity required for an object to reach a certain distance or complete a specific task. It involves understanding the laws of motion and using mathematical equations to calculate the minimum speed needed to achieve a desired outcome.

2. What factors affect the minimum speed of an object?

The minimum speed of an object is affected by various factors such as the object's mass, the distance it needs to cover, and the forces acting upon it (e.g. gravity, friction). These factors can be calculated using equations such as Newton's second law of motion and the equations of motion.

3. How is minimum speed different from maximum speed?

Minimum speed refers to the lowest speed required for an object to reach a certain distance or complete a task, while maximum speed refers to the highest speed that an object can reach without breaking or experiencing any negative effects. In other words, minimum speed is the minimum amount of energy needed to achieve a desired outcome, while maximum speed is the limit of an object's capabilities.

4. Can minimum speed be calculated for all types of objects?

Yes, minimum speed can be calculated for all types of objects as long as the necessary information, such as mass and distance, is known. This concept applies to both stationary and moving objects, and can be used to determine the minimum speed needed for an object to start moving, maintain a certain speed, or stop at a particular distance.

5. How can finding minimum speed be applied in real-life situations?

Finding minimum speed has various practical applications, such as in transportation (e.g. determining the minimum speed for a car to safely make a turn), sports (e.g. calculating the minimum speed needed for a basketball to reach the hoop), and engineering (e.g. determining the minimum speed for an airplane to take off). It is also an important concept in fields such as physics, mechanics, and mathematics.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
13
Views
5K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
1K
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
4K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
933
Back
Top