IB/AP Physics Help: Trampoline Acceleration Graph

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the acceleration graph of a girl jumping on a trampoline, emphasizing the changes in acceleration throughout her motion. At the peak of her jump, she experiences downward acceleration due to gravity, while halfway down, her acceleration is also downward but increasing in magnitude. Upon hitting the trampoline, she experiences a sudden upward acceleration as the springs compress, and as she rises back up, her acceleration decreases until she reaches the peak again. This cyclical pattern creates a sinusoidal graph of acceleration over time.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic kinematics and acceleration concepts
  • Familiarity with gravitational forces and their effects on motion
  • Knowledge of sinusoidal functions and graph interpretation
  • Basic principles of energy transfer in elastic systems
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of kinematics in vertical motion
  • Learn about gravitational acceleration and its impact on free-fall
  • Explore sinusoidal functions and their applications in physics
  • Investigate energy conservation in elastic collisions and trampoline dynamics
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Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and motion analysis, as well as educators seeking to explain the dynamics of trampoline jumping.

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Homework Statement



A girl jumps up and down several times on a trampoline( sheet stretched horizontally by springs at the sides). What will the graph of her acceleration as a function of time look like?


Homework Equations



i don't think one is needed

The Attempt at a Solution



I have no idea what to do!
 
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princessabeez said:
3. The Attempt at a Solution

I have no idea what to do!

First try to describe the motion in words. When she is at the top of her jump, will she be accelerating up or down? How about when she is halfway through falling? And what about when the hits the trampoline? When she is halfway back up to the top of her jump, will she be speeding up or slowing down?
 

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