Calculating Time to Catch a Falling Baby: SQRT2 & Height

In summary, the conversation discusses the question of how long it would take for a baby learning to walk to fall and hit the ground from a standing position. It is suggested that the time can be calculated using the equation Vt = 1/2*g*t^2, but this may not be accurate if the baby is standing perfectly upright. Instead, the force causing the baby to fall sideways should be taken into consideration. Using energy conservation may also be an alternative method for finding the time of the fall.
  • #1
peripatein
880
0
Hi,

If a baby learning how to walk loses balance and falls sideways from an upright position (whilst standing), how long before the baby hits the ground, i.e how much time does one have to catch the baby?
Is the time in that case still equal to SQRT(2*baby's height/9.81)?
 
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  • #2
I think an assumption would have to be made about it's starting position.

If the baby happened to be standing perfectly straight up when it started to fall there would be no force pulling it over. So as it's starting position tends towards vertical the time taken to fall appears to approach infinity.
 
  • #4
The question is formulated thus: "a baby learning how to walk loses balance and falls aside (from an upright position). Which parameters determine the time of its fall?" Should I use energy conservation instead, i.e potential equals kinetic, and then Vt = 1/2*g*t^2, for finding t?
 
  • #5
As I said. If the baby is dead upright, why would it fall? What is the force pulling it sideways? Gravity only acts downwards.

Perhaps try drawing the set up. Assume baby is hinged to the floor at his feet. Have him leaning at say 10 degrees. Assume gravity acts on his center of mass. Work out the force causing him to rotate about his feet. What happens to that force as the starting angle approaches zero?
 
  • #6
PS Using KE=PE to calculate the velocity with which he hits the floor is possible but calculating the time taken is a harder problem.
 

1. How do you calculate the time it takes to catch a falling baby using the SQRT2 equation?

The SQRT2 equation, also known as the Pythagorean theorem, can be used to calculate the time it takes to catch a falling baby. The equation is t = √(2h/g), where t is the time in seconds, h is the height in meters, and g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s²).

2. What is the significance of using the SQRT2 equation in calculating the time to catch a falling baby?

The SQRT2 equation takes into account both the vertical and horizontal distance between the falling baby and the person catching them. This makes it a more accurate method compared to simply dividing the height by the average reaction time.

3. How does the height of the fall affect the time it takes to catch a falling baby?

The height of the fall directly affects the time it takes to catch a falling baby. The higher the fall, the longer the time it takes for the person to react and catch the baby. This is because the distance between the baby and the person catching them increases, resulting in a longer time for the person to reach them.

4. Is the SQRT2 equation the only method for calculating the time to catch a falling baby?

No, there are other equations and methods that can be used to calculate the time to catch a falling baby. However, the SQRT2 equation is widely used because it takes into account both the vertical and horizontal distances, making it a more accurate method.

5. Can the SQRT2 equation be used for objects other than a falling baby?

Yes, the SQRT2 equation can be used to calculate the time to catch any falling object, as long as the height and acceleration due to gravity are known. However, it should be noted that this equation assumes the person catching the object has a constant reaction time and is able to reach the falling object in a straight line.

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