Triple jump - Impulse & Momentum

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves analyzing the triple jump event in track and field, focusing on the impulse and momentum experienced by an athlete during the initial hop. The scenario includes parameters such as horizontal velocity, contact time with the ground, and takeoff angle.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of impulse-momentum principles, questioning the relationship between mass and weight in their calculations. There is exploration of how to account for gravitational forces in the context of the average impulsive force exerted by the ground.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging in the problem, with some providing alternative approaches and questioning assumptions about the forces involved. There is recognition of the need to account for gravitational force in the calculations, leading to different interpretations of the results.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of the weight of the athlete and its relationship to the calculations, as well as the importance of the time of contact with the ground. The discussion reflects on the implications of using weight versus mass in the context of the problem.

JJBladester
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Homework Statement



The triple jump is a track-and-field event in which an athlete gets a running start and tries to leap as far as he can with a hop, step, and jump. Shown in the figure is the initial hop of the athlete. Assuming that he approaches the takeoff line from the left with a horizontal velocity of 10 m/s, remains in contact with the ground for 0.18s, and takes off at a 50° angle with a velocity of 12 m/s, determine the vertical component of the average impulsive force exerted by the ground on his foot. Give your answers in terms of the weight W of the athlete.

Answer:
6.21W

triple%20jump.jpg


Homework Equations



[tex]mv_1+\sum Imp_{1\rightarrow 2}=mv_2[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



[tex]mv_1+\sum Imp_{1\rightarrow 2}=mv_2[/tex]

[tex]mv_{1_y}+F_y\Delta t=mv_{2_y}[/tex]

[tex]0+F_y(0.18)=m(12sin(50))[/tex]

[tex]F_y=\frac{m(12sin(50))}{0.18}=51.1m[/tex]

If all of the m's were replaced with W's (an equivalent way to write the equation above), you would end up with 51.1W. The book's answer was 6.21W.
 
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Since W = mg, you should replace your m with W/g to get F = 5.21W.
I get the same value using the impulse equation
FΔt = mΔv
F*.18 = W/g*12*sin(50)

Looks like we are short by one W!
Ah, we have forgotten the extra W needed to just hold the guy up, or to cancel the force of gravity pulling him down.
 
Delphi51 said:
Looks like we are short by one W!
Ah, we have forgotten the extra W needed to just hold the guy up, or to cancel the force of gravity pulling him down.

[tex]\sum F_y=m\frac{dv}{dt}[/tex]

[tex]N-W=m\frac{dv}{dt}[/tex]

[tex]Ndt-Wdt=\frac{W}{g}dv[/tex]

[tex]N(t)-W(t)=\frac{W}{g}\left (v_2-v_1 \right )[/tex]

[tex]N=W+\frac{\frac{W}{g}\left (v_2-v_1 \right )}{t}[/tex]

[tex]N=W\left (1+\frac{\frac{(12sin50)}{9.81}}{0.18} \right )=6.21W[/tex]

Ahhhh I can go on with my weekend now. You're a lifesaver Delphi51.
 
Most welcome.
 

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