Physics Problem: Free Falling Person Survival Speed

[St.Vampyre]

Forgot my textbook at school so I am stuck doing a physics problem without enough info ... looked in at a few sites but no luck

So I thought I could ask you guys ;)

About what speed on impact would a free falling person survive if landing:
(a) head first onto a hard surface
(b) feet first into water

 

[Astronuc]

That is a very odd physics question.

Head first on a hard surface does not take much to cause a severe concusion or break a neck. Someone hitting head first from a handstand of 6 inches could break a neck on a hard surface, depending on the body weight (mass) and lack of strength in the neck.


Diving height for men in cliff diving is 28 meters / 92 feet. Some go in head first.
http://www.whdf.com/infos/event-regulations/calendar.htm

http://www.whdf.com/infos/sport/sport_records.htm
Highest Dive Women
In 1985, the American Lucy Wardle dove at Ocean Park in Hongkong from 120ft / 36.80 meters.

Highest Dive Men
In 1987, the Swiss Oliver Favre performed a double back somersault from 177ft / 53.90 meters in Villers-le-Lac, France (see www.olivershow.com)

Some guy did survive going over Niagra Falls (The Falls drop about 170 feet (52 m), on the Canadian side) -

Kirk Jones of Canton, Michigan became the first person to plunge over the Horseshoe Falls without a flotation device on October 20, 2003. While it is still not known whether Jones was determined to commit suicide, he survived the 16-story fall with only battered ribs, scrapes, and bruises.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niagra_Falls#Daredevils

 

[tony873004]

This seems like a combo physics / trauma question.