Popeye throwing himself thru the air

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In summary, Popeye is able to lift and throw a steel ball up a long string with relative ease using only basic physics principles. Climbing the string does not change the speed or direction of the ball.
  • #1
cronodragon
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There is a man attached to a relatively long string with a steel ball
on the other end. This man we will call "Popeye", is strong enough to
lift the ball and throw it up:

1. What's the relation between forces, speed, mass, to make the ball
drag Popeye up thru the air? There are only basic arguments in this
equation, no ellastic string, Popeye's body is not broken, etc...
maybe there is some air drag, if useful.

2. How could Popeye solve how much force he needs to throw his system X meters up?

Now that Popeye is flying, he climbs the string and takes the steel ball:

3. Did Popeye modify the speed of the ball by climbing the string? I
think climbing slower or faster would make different results, but not
sure.

4. Is there a way Popeye can control the direction of his flying
system? How could he do that?

5. Is it possible for Popeye to accelerate his system? How? Would it
help cutting the string?

I was thinking, what happens if Popeye changes the steel ball for a
Gyroscope? Would that help in any way to maneuver?
 
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  • #2
A) The mass of the ball will have to be very large compared to the mass
of Popeye so that the center of mass of the two will essentially be that
of the ball. This is confirmed to be the case because Bluto has no trouble
lifting and swinging Popeye about.

B) Popeye will have to have superhuman strength to lauch a ball many times
his own weight and at high speed.

C) Climbing the string won't change the speed of the center of
mass of Popeye/ball.

D) He can't control it once he launches it.

E) He can't do anything to accelerate himself- unless he has a can of Spinach.
He can hurl the can and get a small boost. But since he's Popeye, he can
eat the spinach and use his pipe as a massive turboprop to achive immense
thrust.

F) Gyroscope? Yikes. Let Bluto try that one first.
 
Last edited:
  • #3
lol, thanks!
 
  • #4
Antiphon said:
A) The mass of the ball will have to be very large compared to the mass
of Popeye so that the center of mass of the two will essentially be that
of the ball. This is confirmed to be the case because Bluto has no trouble
lifting and swinging Popeye about.

B) Popeye will have to have superhuman strength to lauch a ball many times
his own weight and at high speed.

C) Climbing the string won't change the speed of the center of
mass of Popeye/ball.

D) He can't control it once he launches it.

E) He can't do anything to accelerate himself- unless he has a can of Spinach.
He can hurl the can and get a small boost. But since he's Popeye, he can
eat the spinach and use his pipe as a massive turboprop to achive immense
thrust.

F) Gyroscope? Yikes. Let Bluto try that one first.

a. The mass could be small, but the initial speed needed should be bigger.

b. yes it is true for super human ^^, but not for the mass as the force is big, if the mass is small the speed will be more and vice versa. the mass and speed relate to each other (as long as bigger then zero for both) and the value that matter is only the force (direction of throwing would also matter actually)

c. that's true

d. yes he can, by how an asronote could 'move' when lost in space. By throwing things (not attched to the system after throw) around. example by cutting the string and throw the ball.

e. the same as [d.] just make sure he throw at the correct direction

f. abstain
 

1. How does Popeye throw himself through the air?

Popeye has superhuman strength, which allows him to use his arms as catapults and propel himself through the air.

2. Why does Popeye throw himself through the air?

Popeye often throws himself through the air to escape danger or to save someone in need. He also uses his unique ability to perform stunts and show off his strength.

3. Is it possible for a person to throw themselves through the air like Popeye?

No, it is not possible for a human to throw themselves through the air like Popeye. This is a fictional ability that is not achievable in real life.

4. How did Popeye acquire the ability to throw himself through the air?

Popeye's ability to throw himself through the air is a product of his consumption of spinach. In the cartoon series, spinach gives him a temporary boost of strength and allows him to perform incredible feats.

5. Can Popeye's ability to throw himself through the air be explained by science?

No, Popeye's ability to throw himself through the air cannot be explained by science as it defies the laws of physics. It is a fictional ability that adds to the humor and entertainment of the cartoon series.

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