Jump height difference in two different gravities

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving the difference in jump height under two different gravitational accelerations, specifically a variation of 0.01 m/s². The jumper's mass is given as 72 kg, and the original poster expresses uncertainty about the relevance of height measurements they possess, emphasizing the focus on the difference in jump heights due to gravity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply equations involving force and acceleration to determine the difference in jump height. They mention using gravitational values of 9.8 and 9.81 m/s² and express confusion over the results from their calculations. Other participants suggest reconsidering the role of energy and the implications of constant versus variable forces in the context of the problem.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring various interpretations of the problem, with some suggesting that the energy of the jump remains constant while others question the appropriateness of using force in the calculations. There is an ongoing dialogue about the assumptions made regarding initial conditions and the relationship between initial velocity and jump height.

Contextual Notes

The original poster notes that they are only partway through their physics course, having covered Newton's laws and basic kinematic equations, which may influence their approach to the problem. The problem is framed as challenging, with specific conditions outlined regarding the jump's initial velocity and other factors remaining constant except for gravity.

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Homework Statement



Gravity varies in two different places by 0.01 m/s^2. The jumper has a mass of 72 kg. What is the difference in jump height in each location? I have a couple of height measurements, but I'm pretty sure they are irrelevant because I am looking for a difference (and the problem says the difference in the heights listed is not due to gravity).

Homework Equations



I tried using F(jump)-F(weight) = ma, where a = 2h/t^2 and F(weight) = mg.
I also tried using delta x = 0.5g*t^2

The Attempt at a Solution


For both equations, I enter in the different gravities into two equations and subtract the two equations. I used 9.8 and 9.81, though I suppose I could use any two numbers varying by 0.01.
In both attempts, I come up with a difference of 0.005, but the answer checker tells me that I am wrong.
 
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The energy of the jump is the same.
 
voko, I do not need energy. Energy is not involved in this particular problem. Just acceleration, force, mass.
 
You can't solve this with force. It is not constant.
 
Here is the exact wording:

Because of Mexico City's altitude the acceleration of gravity there is lower than that in
Tokyo by about 0.01 m=s2. Suppose a high-jumper has a mass of 72 kg.

(b) Assume that he is able to jump with the same initial vertical velocity in both locations, and that all other conditions are the same except for gravity. How much higher should he be able to jump in Mexico City?

Energy is at the end of this course, and I am only 1/3 of the way in! This IS supposed to be a difficult problem... Oh well!
 
Okay, what have you covered in the course so far?
 
Just Newton's first and second laws. F=ma, v=x/t, a=v/t, and some related equations.
 
With "Assume that he is able to jump with the same initial vertical velocity in both locations, and that all other conditions are the same except for gravity" and a = v/t, can you figure out how long it takes in both locations to reach the top point in a jump? Then, given this time, can you compute the vertical distance?
 
From kinematics or conservation of energy, you will find the jump height is related to initial speed by $$v^2=2gh$$ ... from there you can easily find a ratio of the heights reached in the two locations.

However, the difference in heights is not a constant ... "how much higher" seems best interpreted as the ratio ... it is not "I jumped so-many cm higher" but "I jumped so many times higher".
 

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