Diving into water / Nonconservative forces

Thread starter xrotaryguy
Start date Nov 2, 2006
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Forces Nonconservative forces Water

In summary, nonconservative forces are external forces that can affect an object's kinetic and potential energy, such as friction, air resistance, and drag. When diving into water, these forces can reduce the speed and change the trajectory of the diver, potentially causing safety concerns. To minimize their impact, divers can adjust their technique and body position, but these forces may still contribute to a decrease in energy efficiency and increased energy usage during a dive.

Nov 2, 2006

xrotaryguy

Man, I had such an easy time with the subject matter up to this chapter. Any how, I'm stuck agian. :( Here's the trouble this time.

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Nov 2, 2006

PhanthomJay

Science Advisor

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Where are you stuck? If you do the math, you have the correct answer.

Nov 2, 2006

xrotaryguy

Haha, well I was kinda thinking I had it right too. I guess I'll look at it again and see if I can hit all the keys right on my calc right this time then.

1. What are nonconservative forces?

Nonconservative forces are external forces that do work on an object, but the work done depends on the path taken by the object. Examples of nonconservative forces include friction, air resistance, and drag. These forces can cause a change in the object's kinetic and potential energy.

2. How do nonconservative forces affect diving into water?

When a person dives into water, the nonconservative forces of air resistance and drag act on their body. These forces oppose the motion of the person, reducing their speed as they enter the water. This can also cause a change in the person's trajectory, making it more difficult to control their dive.

3. Why is it important to consider nonconservative forces when diving into water?

Considering nonconservative forces is important because they can affect the safety and performance of a dive. The amount of air resistance and drag experienced by a diver can impact how they enter the water, potentially leading to injuries if not accounted for. Additionally, understanding these forces can help divers improve their technique and optimize their dives.

4. How can nonconservative forces be minimized during a dive?

To minimize the effects of nonconservative forces during a dive, divers can adjust their technique and body position. For example, minimizing air resistance can be achieved by keeping the body streamlined and reducing excess movements. Additionally, practicing and perfecting the dive can also help reduce the impact of these forces.

5. How do nonconservative forces affect a diver's energy usage?

Nonconservative forces can cause a diver to use more energy during a dive. As these forces oppose the motion of the diver, more work is required to overcome them and maintain the desired trajectory. This can lead to a decrease in energy efficiency and may cause the diver to tire more quickly.