The Physics Behind Bungee Jumping

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    Bungee Physics
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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the physics of bungee jumping, specifically the application of Hooke's Law, the Conservation of Energy, and the Conservation of Momentum. Key formulas include F=k*x for spring force, Potential Energy (PE = m*g*h), Kinetic Energy (KE = 0.5 * m * v^2), and Elastic Potential Energy (EPE = 0.5 * k * x^2). Participants clarify that the spring constant (k) can be determined through empirical testing or manufacturer specifications, and they emphasize the importance of energy transformations during the jump.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Hooke's Law (F=k*x)
  • Knowledge of Conservation of Energy principles
  • Familiarity with Kinetic and Potential Energy equations
  • Basic calculus for understanding motion and forces
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the derivation and applications of Hooke's Law in real-world scenarios
  • Explore the principles of Conservation of Momentum in dynamic systems
  • Study the effects of air resistance on falling objects and energy loss
  • Learn about differential equations in physics, particularly in motion analysis
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those interested in mechanics and energy transformations, as well as educators seeking to explain practical applications of theoretical concepts in real-world scenarios like 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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