How Much Force is Needed to Jump?

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To determine the force needed to jump, one must consider both the net acceleration and the gravitational force acting on the jumper. The net acceleration can be calculated using the final velocity and time in contact with the ground, leading to the conclusion that the force exerted while jumping is related to the normal force. The discussion clarifies that the question is focused on the force the jumper must exert against the ground, which corresponds to the normal reaction force. The calculations provided show how to derive the necessary speed and acceleration for a jump of 2.0 meters, ultimately leading to the determination of the required push-off force. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for accurately assessing the physics of jumping.
localrob
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If I wanted to know how much force is required to jump, and I know my acceleration while jumping, would I just use F=ma. Or do I need to account for gravity, as in use
Fjump - Fg = ma
 
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if the acc. you find is the net acc. then i guess you don't need to consider gravity as ots already considered while finding the net acc.
 
Yeah, that's what I was thinking.
Initially I was given the final velocity when jumping and the time in contact with the ground.
Vf = vi + at
That should be my net acceleration, because that is the actual acceleration needed to reach Vf.
 
If the question is what force do I need to push off the ground with, then aren't I looking for Fnormal and not net force?
The force that I push off the ground with is equal/opposite to the force normal acting on me.
So shouldn't I be solving FN - Fg = ma for FN?
 
please can you provide full question
 
Question:
If someone is able to jump 2.0 m into the air
a) How what speed must they leave the ground with?(ignore air resistance)
b) If they are in contact with the ground for 0.25 sec and have a mass of 65kg, what force must they push off the ground with?

Solution:
a) Going from the ground to max height
vi = ?, vf = 0m/s, a = -9.8m/s2, \Deltay = 2.0m
vf2 = vi2+2ay
vi = 6.26m/s

b) just for the jumping part
vi = 0m/s, vf = 6.26m/s, a = ?, t = 0.25
Find acceleration using vf=vi +at
a = 25.04 m;s2

Now, as you read the question, do you think it's asking for the net force applied to the person to jump or is it asking what the person must push off with?
 
net force acting on man must be now ma
this will include the gravity force and the normal reaction acting on him

localrob said:
Now, as you read the question, do you think it's asking for the net force applied to the person to jump or is it asking what the person must push off with?

I guess they are asking the force with which the man must push the ground, which is the normal rxn acting on it
 
cupid.callin said:
I guess they are asking the force with which the man must push the ground, which is the normal rxn acting on it

Yes I agree with you. I think they are asking for the normal force.
Thanks for the help.
 
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