The Physics Behind Bungee Jumping

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The discussion focuses on the physics of bungee jumping, particularly the application of Hooke's Law, conservation of energy, and momentum. Key concepts include potential energy at the jump height, kinetic energy during free fall, and the conversion of these energies into elastic energy stored in the bungee cord. Participants clarify calculations for determining the spring constant (k) and the maximum velocity of the jumper, emphasizing the importance of understanding the equilibrium point where gravitational and elastic forces balance. The conversation highlights the need for accurate data and consideration of energy losses, such as thermal energy, in real-world scenarios.
  • #31
Oh...sorry ...
I just joined and read the rules...
I wanted to avoid making a new post cause my title is the same

and thanks for the info :D
 
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  • #32
I mean my question... is similar
 
  • #33
It's ok. No harm done.
 
  • #34
Ammar SH said:
I have a similar question;
What makes a bungee cord safer than using a normal rope when jumping.?

I understand that its elasticity and Hooke's law explains that compression and expansions are created to transform energy which helps you make a safer jump but

What has impulse and change in momentum got to do with the bungee cord being better than the rope?

The issue with a rope vs a bungee cord is acceleration. In this case we refer to it as deceleration since it is negative acceleration. A normal rope isn't elastic. When it goes taut it doesn't stretch at all, it simply tries to stop your falling as quick as it can. This is very bad for you!

A similar experience happens in a car accident. The car collides with something and very quickly comes to a stop. Without safety features this can apply huge amount of G force to your body. What happens if your head suddenly weights 100 times normal? Broken neck. If we buckle up and have an airbag, then instead of you slamming into the steering wheel at 100g, you are gradually stopped over a much longer period of time, experiencing maybe 10g instead. Much better! (Just making up those numbers, I don't know what the actual amount is)

A bungee cord does the same thing. Instead of the rope, which stops your fall in about half a second, the bungee cord stretches, absorbing the energy of the fall over 5-10 seconds, making the deceleration much gentler and enabling you to survive the fall.

Acceleration = change in velocity, and velocity is one of the factors that determines momentum. So change in velocity = change in momentum = acceleration.
Impulse is simply a measure of how much momentum has changed. Accelerating quickly causes a larger impulse than accelerating slowly in the same amount of time.
 
  • #35
that was a good explanation

thanks for the answer and forum info..

one last thing(you might laugh but) how do I my own post lol
still can't figure it out...
 
  • #36
*How do I make new posts?
 

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