Calculating the Physics Behind Super-Bouncy Shoes

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving the calculation of the minimum initial speed and time taken for a person to leap 100 meters while wearing super-bouncy shoes. The problem is situated within the context of projectile motion, specifically examining the dynamics of a leap and the associated physics principles.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the feasibility of achieving a 100-meter leap and question the realism of the required initial speed. Some suggest that the problem resembles classic projectile motion scenarios, while others emphasize the need to consider the jumping angle in relation to the speed.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants sharing different perspectives on the problem's setup. Some have provided insights into the equations of motion and the relationship between speed and angle, while others express skepticism about the practicality of the scenario. There is no explicit consensus, but various interpretations and approaches are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the problem may be constrained by assumptions about human capabilities and the nature of the shoes. There is also mention of differing views on the validity of the problem's premise as presented by the original poster's teacher.

quarktacular
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Suppose a person who wears a pair of super-bouncy shoes is able to cover a distance of 100 metres with one leap. Calculate the
a) minimum initial speed he/she would have to achieve
b) time taken for him/her to complete his/her leap with the above speed
(Neglect air resistance.)



Homework Equations





The answer to the initial speed question is most probably unrealistic as it is humanly impossible to complete a 100 metre leap of that sort. I'm lost for an answer so any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
 
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quarktacular said:
it is humanly impossible to complete a 100 metre leap of that sort.
Yea, the shoe thing is kinda dumb.
Calculate the a) minimum initial speed ... b) time taken
You should also find the jumping angle that corresponds to the minimum initial speed. This is a classic artillery problem.

Work out the equations of motion for both axes; solve them at the landing point; eliminate time from the equations; convert to polar coordinates; solve for the initial speed; differentiate with respect to the jumping angle; and find where the derivative is zero.
 
Welcome to PF!

Hi quarktacular! Welcome to PF! :smile:
quarktacular said:
Suppose a person who wears a pair of super-bouncy shoes is able to cover a distance of 100 metres with one leap. Calculate the
a) minimum initial speed he/she would have to achieve
b) time taken for him/her to complete his/her leap with the above speed
(Neglect air resistance.)

mmm … it's the same question as "suppose you want to shoot a person out of a cannon 100 metres …" :wink:

happier now? :smile:​
 


tiny-tim said:
Hi quarktacular! Welcome to PF! :smile:


mmm … it's the same question as "suppose you want to shoot a person out of a cannon 100 metres …" :wink:

happier now? :smile:​

Thanks for the welcome! Happier that at least someone gave the question a try but the thing is, it's not the same question. Trust me, it's not. My teacher keeps on telling me that it's do-able in the shoe context but seriously, I really don't know how he does it.
 


quarktacular said:
Trust me, it's not.

Trust us - it is. It is the same combination of initial angle and speed.
 

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