Moving oneself when in freefall?

  • Thread starter pivoxa15
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Freefall
In summary, when a person is jumping, diving, or on a trampoline, they will experience a brief period of apparent weightlessness known as free fall. This allows for easier movement of the arms and legs since the force of gravity does not need to be overcome. However, when standing still and holding the arms out horizontally, it can be tiring as the gravitational force on the arms remains constant. Even in free fall, extending the arms out from a relaxed position still requires work to be done.
  • #1
pivoxa15
2,255
1
Here is an extract from a textbook.

"While jumping or diving or on a trampoline a person will experience apparent weightlessness for a very short time. They will be in 'free fall'. It is much easier in these conditions to move your arms and legs since the force of gravity does not need to be overcome. Standing still and holding your arms out horizontally can be very tiring but a diver or gymnast in motion can move their limbs easily."

Is this correct? Moving ones arms out horizontally when in free fall while trampolining is just as difficult as when standing on the ground because the graviational force on your arms is constant when in free fall or not near the earth.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Yes, it's right. When in free-fall, your muscles are not exerting to keep your arms up against their weight; they are allowed to fall.
 
  • #3
But you are purposely extending your arms out from a relxed, dangled position. It's like trying to lift a weight a height d while in free fall relative to you. You still have to do work=Fd in lifting this weight. However, I agree you will not feel your own weight because there is no normal force in this situation. However, when lifting (relative to you) whether a weight or your arms, you create the normal force.
 

Related to Moving oneself when in freefall?

1. How do you move yourself when in freefall?

In order to move yourself when in freefall, you must use your body's aerodynamics and manipulate your limbs to control your direction and speed. This is known as body positioning and can be learned through proper training and practice.

2. Is there a specific technique for moving in freefall?

Yes, there are various techniques for moving in freefall, such as the arch position, the tracking position, and the back fly position. Each technique is used for different purposes, such as gaining speed or changing direction.

3. Can you move in any direction while in freefall?

Yes, with the proper body positioning and technique, you can move in any direction while in freefall. However, it is important to always maintain control and be aware of your surroundings to avoid collisions with other skydivers.

4. How do you stop yourself from moving in freefall?

In order to stop yourself from moving in freefall, you can use the neutral flying position, which is a horizontal position with your arms and legs slightly bent. This will help you slow down and come to a stop. Additionally, deploying your parachute will also stop your movement.

5. Are there any risks associated with moving in freefall?

Moving in freefall can come with some risks, such as losing control or colliding with other skydivers. That is why it is important to always follow proper training and safety protocols, as well as being aware of your surroundings and the movements of others in the sky.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • Sci-Fi Writing and World Building
Replies
20
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
30
Views
4K
Replies
5
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
16
Views
5K
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
8
Views
916
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
6K
Back
Top