How Do You Calculate Force with Mass, Height, and Distance?

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To calculate force with mass, height, and distance, relevant equations are essential, particularly those related to gravitational force and motion. The discussion emphasizes the need to understand how mass falling from a height interacts with the distance over which the force is applied, such as when bending legs upon landing. Participants encourage sharing any learned concepts that could apply to the problem. The conversation hints at estimating the stopping trajectory and its relation to the angle of descent. Understanding these principles is crucial for accurately calculating force in this context.
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Homework Statement
Scenario: Bob (73kg) steps off a 1-meter high platform and properly absorbs the fall with bent legs in a squat position.

Question: How much counterforce required to slow the impact to a stop without Bob's legs going past 45 degrees?

I am trying to figure out how much someone would need to squat in a weight gym setting to be able to safely absorb impact from height. I have little to no experience in physics /: but I could not find anything online that was specific.
Relevant Equations
I have no equations because that's what I am trying to figure out.
I apologize for my lack of knowledge or helpful information! If there is any other information needed let me know! Thanks, guys and gals!
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Hello twadd, ##\qquad## :welcome: ##\qquad## !
I have no equations
You need some. What have you learned so far that might apply ?
And: make an educated guess about the given "without Bob's legs going past 45 degrees"
(Hint: In the sense of 'how long is the stopping trajectory')
 
twadd said:
Relevant Equations: I have no equations because that's what I am trying to figure out.
"Relevant Equations" here means standard equations that you have been taught and may be relevant to the problem.
You have a mass falling through a height, force, and the distance Bob through which the force applies as Bob bends his legs. What physical quantity relates these?
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

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