SUMMARY
A 79kg individual jumps from a 100m platform attached to a bungee cord with a spring constant of 40 N/m and a length of 35m. At maximum elongation of the bungee cord, the gravitational potential energy (Ep = mgh) of the jumper is fully converted into the spring potential energy (Ek = 1/2kx²). The jumper's height above the water at this point can be calculated using energy conservation principles, confirming that the bungee cord's maximum elongation occurs when the jumper's downward motion ceases and upward motion begins.
PREREQUISITES
- Understanding of gravitational potential energy (Ep = mgh)
- Familiarity with spring potential energy (Ek = 1/2kx²)
- Basic knowledge of Newton's second law (F = ma)
- Concept of energy conservation in mechanical systems
NEXT STEPS
- Calculate the maximum elongation of the bungee cord using energy conservation principles.
- Explore the effects of varying the spring constant on bungee jump dynamics.
- Investigate the role of mass in energy conversion during bungee jumping.
- Learn about the physics of oscillatory motion in bungee jumping scenarios.
USEFUL FOR
Physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the mechanics of bungee jumping and energy conservation principles.