The Physics Behind Bungee Jumping

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    Bungee Physics
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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the physics of bungee jumping, specifically exploring concepts such as Hooke's Law, conservation of energy, and conservation of momentum. Participants engage in calculations related to potential energy, kinetic energy, and elastic energy, while addressing the complexities of these principles in the context of bungee jumping.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about how to relate Hooke's Law and conservation principles to bungee jumping, specifically in the absence of energy loss.
  • Another participant explains the energy transformation during a bungee jump, detailing how potential energy converts to kinetic energy and then to elastic energy in the bungee cord.
  • Participants discuss the formula for elastic energy, with one providing the equation
  • There is a query about how to determine the spring constant (k) for the bungee cord, with suggestions to either refer to manufacturer data or conduct experiments.
  • One participant calculates the spring constant using force and displacement, leading to a discussion about equilibrium and maximum speed during the jump.
  • Another participant clarifies the difference between the rest position and equilibrium position of the cord, introducing the concept of forces balancing at equilibrium.
  • Calculations are presented for energy conservation, with one participant attempting to find the jumper's velocity at various heights and expressing confusion about the results.
  • Concerns are raised about the accuracy of calculations, particularly regarding the assumption of constant velocity and the implications of using simplified equations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally engage in a collaborative exploration of the topic, with some agreeing on specific calculations while others raise questions or provide corrections. Multiple competing views and interpretations of the physics involved remain present, particularly regarding the calculations and assumptions made.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the assumptions made, such as neglecting air resistance and the complexities of variable forces during the jump. The discussion also highlights the need for precise definitions and careful consideration of the physics involved in bungee jumping.

  • #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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