A motorcyclics performing a stunt - How long is he in the air?

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In summary, the motorcyclist must use equations for distance covered and vertical acceleration to solve for the horizontal direction and time in the air in order to successfully jump a 25m wide river from a 20m lower cliff at a speed of 50m/s.
  • #1
celect
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A motorcyclist intends to perform a stunt in which he jumps a 25meter wide river.

The motorcyclist must jump from a cliff on one-side 20 meters lower than the other side.
The motorcyclist approaches the cliff at 50m/s

What formula should I use to solve for

the Horizontal direction?

And the time in the air?
 
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  • #2
The horizontal direction??

What you want to do is set up the equations for distance covered with unknown angle θ and initial speed 50 m/s. The vertical acceleration is -9.8 m/s2 so the vertical speed at any t is 50 sin(θ)- 9.8t and the vertical height above the starting point is 50 sin(θ)t- 4.9t2. Since the landing side is 20 m higher than the starting side, the jump should end with
50 sin(θ)t- 4.9t2= 20. Also his horizontal distance covered is 50 cos(θ)t. In order to get across the river, he needs to have 50 cos(θ)t= 25. Solve the two equations for t and θ to answer your question.
 
  • #3


To solve for the horizontal direction, you can use the formula: d = v*t, where d is the distance traveled, v is the initial velocity, and t is the time. In this case, the distance would be 25 meters and the initial velocity would be 50m/s. So, to solve for the time in the air, you would use the formula t = d/v, which would give you a time of 0.5 seconds. This means that the motorcyclist would be in the air for approximately half a second while performing the stunt. However, it's important to note that this is a simplified calculation and there are other factors that could affect the actual time in the air, such as air resistance and the angle of the jump. It's always important to take safety precautions and thoroughly plan and practice stunts like this.
 
  • #4


To solve for the horizontal direction, you can use the formula: distance = velocity x time. In this case, the distance would be 25 meters and the velocity would be 50m/s. So, the formula would be 25m = 50m/s x time. Solving for time, we get a result of 0.5 seconds in the air for the horizontal direction.

To solve for the time in the air, you can use the formula: time = (final velocity - initial velocity) / acceleration. In this case, the initial velocity is 50m/s and the final velocity would be 0m/s (since the motorcyclist would reach the peak of the jump and then start to descend). The acceleration due to gravity is 9.8m/s^2. So, the formula would be time = (0m/s - 50m/s) / -9.8m/s^2. Solving for time, we get a result of approximately 5.1 seconds in the air.

However, it's important to note that these calculations are based on ideal conditions and do not take into account factors such as wind resistance and the motorcyclist's maneuvering abilities. The actual time in the air may vary. It's always important to prioritize safety and proper training when attempting stunts like this.
 

1. How is the speed of the motorcycle related to the duration of the stunt?

The speed of the motorcycle is directly related to the duration of the stunt. The faster the motorcycle is traveling, the longer the rider will be in the air during the stunt. This is because the motorcycle's speed determines the momentum and force that is applied to the rider, propelling them into the air for a longer period of time.

2. What factors affect the length of time the motorcyclist spends in the air during a stunt?

There are several factors that can affect the duration of a motorcycle stunt, including the speed of the motorcycle, the angle of the ramp or jump, the weight and position of the rider, and any external forces such as wind or gravity. The type of motorcycle and the skill of the rider can also play a role in the length of time spent in the air.

3. Is the motorcyclist in control of the duration of the stunt?

Yes, the motorcyclist has control over the duration of the stunt. They can adjust their speed, position, and technique to manipulate how long they stay in the air. Experienced riders have a better understanding of how to control their movements and can time their stunts accordingly.

4. How does gravity affect the duration of a motorcycle stunt?

Gravity plays a significant role in the duration of a motorcycle stunt. It is the force that pulls the rider back to the ground, reducing the amount of time they spend in the air. The angle and height of the ramp or jump can also affect how much gravity pulls on the rider, impacting the duration of the stunt.

5. Can the duration of a motorcycle stunt be calculated?

Yes, the duration of a motorcycle stunt can be calculated using the laws of physics. Factors such as the speed and angle of the motorcycle, the weight of the rider, and the force of gravity can all be taken into account to determine the approximate length of time the motorcyclist will spend in the air during the stunt.

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