Physics Question: How Fast Do You Need to Walk to Fall Over a Cliff Railing?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics question concerning the speed required for a person to tumble over a cliff railing while walking. The scenario includes specific parameters such as the height of the railing and the physical attributes of the person involved.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants raise questions about the height of the railing, the coefficient of friction, and the nature of the collision. There is also a focus on the need for additional information regarding the person's motion and the specific question being asked.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided clarifications and additional assumptions, such as the height of the railing and the nature of the collision. There is an ongoing exploration of the necessary parameters to fully understand the problem, with no clear consensus on the specific question being addressed.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of various factors, including the person's state (sober or not), the height of the railing (90 cm), and the assumption of an elastic collision. The need for more detailed information about motion parameters is emphasized.

fishmonk
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Here's a physics question I was pondering. Let's say there was a railing at the edge of a cliff. If you were walking at the railing, what speed would you have to have to hit the rail to tumble over it.
Assume the person is of average height and wieght, 170 cm and 80 Kg.
 
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that all depends,are they drunk?
 
mathmike said:
that all depends,are they drunk?
Assume that they are not ****ed up at the time.
 
How high is the railing? What is the coefficient of friction for their feet on the ground? Does the person bend when they hit the railing or stay rigid? So many relevant questions, so little time...
 
you are going to need a little more info than you have given. like how high is the railing... what kind of collision...
 
Assume the railing is about 90 cm high. Also assume an elastic collision.
 
ok now what is your question? you need to give position, velocity, acceleration, friction... can you give us a specific question or is this a general one.
 
mathmike said:
ok now what is your question? you need to give position, velocity, acceleration, friction... can you give us a specific question or is this a general one.

They are moving at a constant velocity, and that velocity is what is being determined.
 
holla back Ya'll!
 
  • #10
ok so the person is a rigid body. ant this person is walking at a velocity of V. their height is 170 cm and weight is 80kg. the railing is 90 cm high. first thing you do is draw a fbd then determine the forces at the points in which are in contact. you know how to do that?
 

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