The physical concepts in the double jump of the video games

[Thiago Cerqueira]

Hi friends, I'm just thinking, in some video games, the characters have a double jump mechanical. What's the physics concepts behind this? I mean, it's really possible explain it? I saw a brazilian video about science in games in which the author talks about air resistance. It's a curious question, because involve video games and physics and depending, can be used to teach students.

 

[BvU]

Same as with cartoon characters walking horizontally over a ravine, and shooting straight down as soon as they realize there's no ground underneath ...

(c) Warner Bros

 

[Stephenk53]

Basically there are no physics, btw earlier I saw a nerdist video on YouTube where he stated that if you somehow were strong enough you could throw your clothes off of you fast enough to double jump. Although this speed is much faster than we could ever hope to do...
https://nerdist.com/is-it-physically-possible-to-double-jump-because-science/

 

[CWatters]

Let's assume that after the first phase/jump you have slowed to a stop and are about to fall down again. At this point your vertical velocity is zero.

In order to perform the second phase/jump you have to increase your vertical velocity/ momentum again.

Due to the physical law of conservation of momentum you would have to push something downwards (air, your clothes or something else). It's impossible to push enough air downwards fast enough with just your feet to achieve a significant increase in veetical momentum.

See also jet pack, or man carrying drones.

 

[Thiago Cerqueira]

Got it. As many students play video games, the point of the question was to pick up a common mechanic and try to explain it with physical concepts, even if they are totally abstract and against the laws of physics. I think it is important to bring to the classroom, things seen in other media, such as games, for example.

 

[sophiecentaur]

was to pick up a common mechanic

That reads as a bit elitist. Many of my friends are "common mechanics". If you fail to get a concept across to someone who has little formal Science then it's down to you and not to them.
The Intellectual Level is only one way to wisdom about the World.

 

[BvU]

I think it is important to bring to the classroom, things seen in other media

Yeah, sure. Such as cinema, for example ? What would a student pick up from the bus jump sequence in 'Speed' ? (and: couldn't that time be used more effectively ?)

 

[Rive]

What's the physics concepts behind this?

I think it is originated from something like this little lizard:


Mainly, it is expected to get some rebound if you hit something really strong and fast, right? If you are strong enough then you might get enough rebound from water or air to jump one, see what that little lizard doing that on water, right?

It's a pity (or luck?) that it's completely wrong. Even that lizard needs surface tension to do this: and we are so far off from the speed required to get any effect (not a jump: just some small effect) from hitting air that it's just hopeless.

 

[DaveC426913]

That reads as a bit elitist. Many of my friends are "common mechanics".

You are joking, yes? Needs a smiley.

 

[sophiecentaur]

You are joking, yes? Needs a smiley.

Yes - a bit like that but the term "common mechanic" is a bit dismissive and could be construed as referring to ability and not just experience.
"Fanfare for the Common Man" would not have been chosen as a title for a modern piece of music, for the reason I'm hinting at.

 

[DaveC426913]

...the term "common mechanic" is a bit dismissive...

But ...

that's not what he meant at all.

Let me add one word:

"...the point of the question was to pick up a common game mechanic and try to explain it..."

 

[sophiecentaur]

that's not what he meant at all.

Very possibly but, in this current climate, it's the actual words and not the intended meaning that count. There is a list, as long as yer arm, of racial, social and gender based terms that are used by the 'nicest' people, who may mean no offence at all but which can raise hackles with someone. I hesitate to give examples but we all know what I mean.
PS I don't understand what "game" signifies.

 

[BvU]

But ...

that's not what he meant at all.

I agree. Let's ask Thiago ...
For all I know, he meant: 'a common mechanism'.

 

[CWatters]

I took it to mean "common feature". My kids understood what a double jump is.