How Far Does Dave Johnson's Center of Mass Move Up During the High Jump?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion centers around the physics of a high jump, specifically analyzing the vertical motion of Dave Johnson's center of mass as he leaves the ground with a vertical velocity component of 6 m/s. Participants are exploring the relevant equations and concepts related to motion under the influence of gravity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the vertical component of motion and consider the effects of gravity on the jumper. There are inquiries about relevant equations, such as kinetic energy and displacement, and attempts to connect concepts from recent lectures or textbooks to the problem at hand.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants questioning assumptions and exploring various approaches. Some guidance has been offered regarding the importance of identifying forces acting on the jumper and the role of gravity. There is no explicit consensus yet, as participants are still working through their understanding of the problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants have noted the absence of a structured problem statement and relevant equations, which is encouraged by the forum's guidelines. There is also a mention of recent topics studied, such as Work, Energy & Power, which may relate to the problem.

Gingerclaire_
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Dave Johnson, the bronze medallist at the 1992 Olympic decathalon in Barcelona, leaves the ground at the high jump with vertical velocity component 6 m/s. How far does his center of mass move up as he makes the jump?
 
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You only need to look at the vertical component of the motion.
 
Hello Ginger, welcome to PF :)

Nice exercise. Somewhere along the line the template fell away. It's use is mandatory for good reasons. (Read the guidelines).

In this case you posted only the problem statement. What equations, tools, stuff have you available to tackle it ? Place them under 2). And what have you tried and what came out ? Put that under 3). Help is on the way...

1. Homework Statement
2. Homework Equations
3. The Attempt at a Solution​
 
BvU said:
Hello Ginger, welcome to PF :)

Nice exercise. Somewhere along the line the template fell away. It's use is mandatory for good reasons. (Read the guidelines).

In this case you posted only the problem statement. What equations, tools, stuff have you available to tackle it ? Place them under 2). And what have you tried and what came out ? Put that under 3). Help is on the way...

1. Homework Statement
2. Homework Equations
3. The Attempt at a Solution​

I'm not sure about equations but I've no idea where to start with a solution.
 
Anything in your recent past (lectures, for instance) or in the preceding pages of your textbook that might help ?
 
We have been looking at Work, Energy & Power or Energy Conservation but I can't see anything relevant.
 
How about gravity? Anything to do with dropping stuff off a cliff or out a window?
 
Do you do a kinetic energy equation? Sorry I think I'm making it more difficult for myself here
 
Gingerclaire_ said:
Do you do a kinetic energy equation? Sorry I think I'm making it more difficult for myself here
A guy jumps off the ground. What forces are working on him so he doesn't go into orbit around the earth?

If you throw a ball up in the air, why does it come back down to the ground?
 
  • #10
So there is a force acting upward - work. Am I right?
 
  • #11
Gingerclaire_ said:
So there is a force acting upward - work. Am I right?
Work is not a force. Once the jumper leaves the ground, there is only one thing affecting his body. What is it? If you pick up a book and drop it on the floor, why does the book fall?
 
  • #12
Oh it is gravity then! So you work out time (t=0.612) and then find displacement (s=3.67)
 
  • #13
As always, show the units with you calculations.
 

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