Calculating Superman's Average Force (due in 4 days)

AI Thread Summary
To calculate Superman's average force during his jump, start by determining his initial velocity, which is achieved in 0.004 seconds from rest. The downward gravitational force acting on him is 882.9 N. Using the equation vf^2 = vi^2 - 2ad, the final velocity (vf) is calculated to be 39.099 m/s. Then, apply the formula a = v/t to find acceleration, followed by F = ma to determine the average force, which is calculated to be approximately 879727.5 N. This approach emphasizes understanding the underlying physics concepts rather than just obtaining the final answer.
riggi91
Messages
4
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Superman (m = 90 kg) jumps over a 78 m tall building by first accelerating from rest to his maximum velocity in 0.004 s. Subsequent to this time, Superman follows normal projectile motion. What is the average force acting on Superman that gives his upward acceleration?. In determining the initial velocity, ignore the distance superman travels during his initial acceleration stage. Also, assume he is jumping straight up. Do not use exponential notation in submitting your answer.

Homework Equations


The equations that I have gathered are:
F=ma
A=v/t
vf^2=vi^2-2ad
vf=vi+at


The Attempt at a Solution



I know that I have to find the Initial velocity first, but in order to do so I need either Time or Acceleration, which I have neither of. All I have found is that the downward force on superman due to gravity at any given time is 882.9N.

Please guide me in the direction to get the answer! Also please don't just give me the answer as I need to learn how to do this for my Physics class!

Thanks!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
But you do know the initial velocity:
Superman (m = 90 kg) jumps over a 78 m tall building by first accelerating from rest to his maximum velocity in 0.004 s
... you nee ##\sum F = ma##
 
Duh! I don't know why I didnt realize that before. I also believe I've found vf

I used vf^2=vi^2-2ad and got 39.099 m/s for the vf. If that is correct would i just use a=v/t to find out a?
 
I got the answer. after i found vf i used a=v/t and then just used F=ma and my answer was 879727.5N

Thank you for your help!
 
No worries :)
 
I multiplied the values first without the error limit. Got 19.38. rounded it off to 2 significant figures since the given data has 2 significant figures. So = 19. For error I used the above formula. It comes out about 1.48. Now my question is. Should I write the answer as 19±1.5 (rounding 1.48 to 2 significant figures) OR should I write it as 19±1. So in short, should the error have same number of significant figures as the mean value or should it have the same number of decimal places as...
Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'
Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...
Back
Top