How to find the Max. distance of the bungee jumper?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a bungee jumping scenario involving a volunteer of mass 70 kg, an elastic cable, and the calculation of the maximum distance of fall. The problem is situated within the context of energy conservation principles in mechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of conservation of mechanical energy, noting the types of energy involved. There are attempts to formulate equations relating kinetic energy, gravitational potential energy, and elastic potential energy. Some participants question the relationship between the spring constant and the elastic modulus of the bungee cord.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the problem and attempting to clarify the relationships between various physical quantities. Some guidance has been offered regarding the use of energy conservation, but no consensus has been reached on the specifics of the calculations or assumptions.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the assumption of no energy losses and that the jumper does not hit anything below. There is also a note about the problem being posted multiple times, which may affect the flow of discussion.

Esta
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Please help me to solve this question because I don't have a clue to do that!

Q: In a bungee jump a volunteer of mass 70 kg drops from a bridge, tethered to his jump point by an elastic cable of unstretched length L = 20m and elastic modulus 3000 N. Ifnoring energy losses, and assuming he hits nothing below, find the jumper's maximum distance of fall.

Thanks!
 
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HINT:Use the law of conservation of mechanical energy.Pay attention with the 3 various types of energy the system has and with the "zero" for gravitational potential energy.

Daniel.

P.S.The problem is posted twice...
 
Esta said:
Please help me to solve this question because I don't have a clue to do that!

Q: In a bungee jump a volunteer of mass 70 kg drops from a bridge, tethered to his jump point by an elastic cable of unstretched length L = 20m and elastic modulus 3000 N. Ifnoring energy losses, and assuming he hits nothing below, find the jumper's maximum distance of fall.

Thanks!

The total mechanical energy before the jump is equal to the total mechanical energy after the jump.

The relevant equation is [itex]K_1 + U_{grav,1} = K_2 + U_{grav,2} + U_{el,2}[/itex].

[itex]\frac{1}{2}mv_1^{2} + mgy_1 = \frac{1}{2}mv_2^{2} + mgy_2 + \frac{1}{2}ky_2^{2}[/itex]

Choosing the relaxed hanging length of the rope as the origin,

[itex]0 + mgL = mgy_2 + \frac{1}{2}ky_2^{2}[/itex].

Exercise for the reader: find an equation relating the spring constant to the elastic modulus of the bungee cord and solve the above equation for [itex]y_2[/itex]. Hint: the distance of fall is not [itex]y_2[/itex].
 
Potential energy for spring constant F=- kx, k=λ*A*x/L λ; however, now (A)cross-section area of the cord is provided; for string constant F = -λ (x/L). But will they equal?! kx = λ (x/L)?!

Sorry, still not very understand! :frown:
 
Last edited:

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