How Do You Calculate Hang Time and Velocity in Cat Jump Kinematics?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a kinematics problem involving a cat's jump, specifically focusing on calculating hang time and initial and final velocities based on a given jump height of 2.93 meters. The context is grounded in a study examining feline muscle dynamics during jumps.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster questions the sufficiency of variables available for solving the problem, noting the presence of only two variables (acceleration and displacement) while seeking to determine three unknowns (hang time, initial velocity, final velocity).
  • Some participants suggest breaking the jump into two phases: the ascent and descent, prompting consideration of velocity at different points during the jump.
  • Others hint at the relationship between maximum height and final velocity, suggesting that final velocity at the peak is zero.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different aspects of the problem. Some guidance has been provided regarding the relationship between height and velocity, as well as the concept of analyzing the jump in two parts. There is no explicit consensus yet, as various interpretations and approaches are still being examined.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of the problem's parameters, including the known height and gravitational acceleration, while grappling with the implications of having fewer variables than unknowns.

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Homework Statement



In a 1985 study, cats were trained to jump up and touch a cotton ball in an effort to study their thigh muscles. One cat was able to jump 2.93 meters off the ground.

What is its hang time? In other words, what total time was the cat in the air?
s
What was its initial velocity?
m/s
What was its final velocity?
m/s

Vi and Vf do not equal 0
A = -9.8
D = 2.93 or 5.86
How does this make any sense? Don't I only have two variables (acceleration and displacement) and I need at least three to solve all of the kinematics?

Homework Equations



U1L6a1.gif


The Attempt at a Solution



I've used plenty of different equations and can't seem to find anything out.
 
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Think of its jump as two events: the cat jumps up, the cat falls down. What is its velocity at before and after each event?
 
Hint: you're not going to be able to answer your questions in order...
 
You know the maximum height the cat has reached - 2.93 m. If it had still some speed at that height it would have risen higher. So you have vf=0 when the displacement is 2.93 m. You can also find the time. Falling back takes the same time.

ehild
 
This is a great site for 1 Dimensional Kinematics problems on up, it also shows step by step solutions to problems like this and many more: http://www.physicsclassroom.com/
 

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