Calculating Spring Constant of Bungee Cord

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the spring constant of a bungee cord for a jumper with a mass of 77.0 kg who oscillates after jumping. The jumper's period of oscillation is determined to be 6 seconds, derived from the total time of 48 seconds for 8 oscillations. Using the formula T = 2π√(m/k), the spring constant (k) is calculated to be 8.94 N/m. Participants confirm the method is correct and encourage showing calculations for verification.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Hooke's Law (F = -kx)
  • Familiarity with the formula for the period of oscillation (T = 2π√(m/k))
  • Basic knowledge of mass and weight concepts
  • Ability to perform algebraic manipulations to solve for variables
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the derivation of the period formula for oscillating systems
  • Explore the effects of mass on spring constant calculations
  • Investigate real-world applications of spring constants in bungee jumping
  • Learn about energy conservation in oscillatory motion
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, engineering students, and anyone interested in mechanics and oscillatory motion will benefit from this discussion.

HHippo
Messages
1
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


A bungee jumper with a mass of 77.0kg, jumps from a high bridge. He just touches the water in the river below and after reaching this lowest point, he oscillates up and down, hitting the lowest point another 8 times in 48.0 seconds. Calculate the spring constant of the bungee cord.

Homework Equations


F = -kx
T = 2π√(m/k)


The Attempt at a Solution


I thought the period was 6 (48/8) and then used those two equations to solve for k. Got 8.94 but I am not sure if I did it right...
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Hi HHippo, welcome to PH.
Will you please show your calculations?
 
You know the period and mass you can solve for the spring constant directly from the period equation. Check your math.
 
method seems correct show your calculations
 

Similar threads

Understanding the Bungee Jumper Problem: Energy Transformation and Calculations
  • · Replies 44 ·
2
Replies
44
Views
6K
Derivation of the oscillation period for a vertical mass-spring system
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
4K
What is the total length of the bungee cord in this bungee jumping problem?
  • · Replies 26 ·
Replies
26
Views
3K
Final amplitude with damping of bungee cord
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
What is the spring constant for the bungee cord used in the given scenario?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Calculating Bungee Cord Length and Spring Constant: Realistic or Unrealistic?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Spring Constant - Bungee Jumping
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
11K
How Does a Bungee Jumper's Energy Change During a Jump?
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
6K
Acceleration vs Time Bungee Graph
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
6K
Bungee Jumping Spring Constat/Work-Energy
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K