The problem involves a 49 kg diver dropping from a height of 12 m and coming to rest 5 m below the water's surface. Participants are tasked with determining the average resistance force exerted by the water on the diver.
Several participants have attempted calculations for potential energy and resistance force, with some expressing uncertainty about their results. There is a recognition of the need to consider the total distance fallen, including the depth below the water's surface, leading to further exploration of the problem.
Participants note discrepancies in calculated values and the feedback from a submission website, indicating a lack of clarity on the correct answer. There is also mention of a potential mistake in the initial height used for calculations.
Jimmy said:What is the potential energy of the diver 12m above the water
That's correct. Don't forget the unit of energy: 5768.28 J (Joules)Vision5 said:So I should find the PE of the diver at 12m?
PE=49*12*9.81
PE=5768.28?
As I stated before, the water will have to do an equivalent amount of Work (5768.28 J) to stop the diver- both work and energy are measured in Joules. Knowing that this happens over a distance of 5 meters, you can plug the known values into the Work formula and and solve for F:The question asks to determine the average resistance force exerted on the diver by the water.
So I would use W=F*D?
How do I put this all together now?