Minimum Speed for a Horizontally Projected Diver to Clear a Ledge

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the minimum speed required for a 510N swimmer to clear a ledge while diving horizontally from a cliff. The key equations used are s=1/2gt² and v=s/t, demonstrating that the diver's weight does not influence the projectile motion, as all projectiles experience the same acceleration due to gravity (g). The inclusion of the diver's weight serves to test students' understanding of the independence of mass in projectile motion problems.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of projectile motion principles
  • Familiarity with kinematic equations
  • Knowledge of gravitational acceleration (g)
  • Basic algebra skills for solving equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of projectile motion in physics
  • Learn how to apply kinematic equations in various scenarios
  • Explore the concept of gravitational acceleration and its implications
  • Practice solving similar projectile motion problems with varying parameters
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, educators teaching projectile motion concepts, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of horizontal motion in gravitational fields.

dregozo

Homework Statement


A daring 510N swimmer dives off a cliff with a horizontal leap. What must his minimum speed be just as he leaves the top of the cliff so that he will miss the ledge at the bottom, which is 1.75m wide and 9.00m below the top of the cliff?

Homework Equations


s=1/2gt^2 ; v=s/t

The Attempt at a Solution


I used the above equations in that order, and arrived at an answer. My issue is that I did not use the 510N at all! Where does the diver's weight come in?
 
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dregozo said:
Where does the diver's weight come in?
It doesn't! This is a projectile motion problem and all projectiles have the same acceleration, independent of mass.
 
My exact reasoning.. so why did the examiner include the 510N?? To test students if they know that g is independent of mass?
 
dregozo said:
so why did the examiner include the 510N?? To test students if they know that g is independent of mass?
Sure, why not? That's one good reason to include it -- to see how confident you are with the basics.

Is this just a part of a multi-part question?
 
No, it's the entire question. Nothing more was asked. Strange, right?
 
It happens often. Keeps you on your toes! (And drives students nuts!) :smile:
 
I wish I weighed 510N :-(
 
CWatters said:
I wish I weighed 510N :-(
LOL. (Me too!)
 

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