Physics of a runner (Constant Acceleration/ constant velocity)

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the average horizontal force exerted by a sprinter during acceleration and determining the sprinter's top speed in a 100-meter dash. The sprinter accelerates uniformly for the first 41 meters before maintaining a constant speed for the remaining 59 meters. Key equations utilized include F=ma for force, and kinematic equations such as v=Vi+at and Vo^2=Vi^2+2a(Xo-Xi). The solution requires setting the total time taken equal to 10 seconds to find the relationship between acceleration, top speed, and time.

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Homework Statement


"The 100- dash can be run by the best sprinters in 10.0 . A 64- sprinter accelerates uniformly for the first 41 to reach top speed, which he maintains for the remaining 59 ."

What is the average horizontal component of force exerted on his feet by the ground during acceleration?

What is the speed of the sprinter over the last 59 of the race (i.e., his top speed)?


Homework Equations



F=ma
v=Vi+at
Xo=Xi+Vit+.5at^2
Vo^2=Vi^2+2a(Xo-Xi)

The Attempt at a Solution



I honestly have no idea how to even start this problem.

For the part where the runner is accelerating, here is what I have
Xi-0
Xo-41
Vi-0
Vo-?
a-?
t-?

Which is not much... For when he is at a constant speed, here is what I have.

Xi-41
Xo-100
Vi-?
Vo- ? (the same as Vi, as he is at a constant velocity)
a-0
t-?

So Xo=.5at
41=.5at

Vo=at
a=Vo/t

Vo^2=Vi^2+2a(Xo-Xi)
Vo^2=0+2(Vo/t)(41)

I am completely stuck... I have no idea where to go from here. Am I just looking at it wrong, or is there some important part that I missed?
 
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just assume the topspeed is equal to v. Compute the total time taken as a function of v and set that equal to 10 seconds.
 

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