What Is the Correct Velocity of a Bungee Jumper as the Cord Begins to Stretch?

  • Thread starter Thread starter tink123
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Bungee Velocity
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The correct velocity of a bungee jumper, Lola, as the cord begins to stretch can be calculated using the equation V=√(k/m)(A)^2. With a bungee cord spring constant of k=700 N/m, a mass of 45 kg, and an unstretched cord length of 50 m, the calculated velocity is 197.20 m/s. However, this value is misleading as it does not account for the initial free fall before the cord stretches. The jumper's velocity at the moment the cord begins to stretch is simply the result of gravitational acceleration, not the spring equation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts, particularly gravitational acceleration.
  • Familiarity with Hooke's Law and spring constants.
  • Knowledge of kinematics equations for free fall.
  • Ability to apply the principles of energy conservation in dynamic systems.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of gravitational acceleration and free fall calculations.
  • Learn about Hooke's Law and its application in spring mechanics.
  • Research kinematic equations relevant to objects in free fall.
  • Explore energy conservation principles in bungee jumping scenarios.
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of bungee jumping and related physical principles.

tink123
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
Lola goes bungee jumping. She leaps from a bridge that is 100 m above a river. Her bungee cord has an unstretched length of 50 m and a spring constant k=700N/m. lola has a mass of 45 kg. How fast is she falling when she just starts to stretch the cord? How long does it take for Lola to reach this point.

I used the equation V=√(k/m)(A)^2 and I got

V=√(700N/m/45kg)(50m)^2)=197.20m/s

I was wondering If I used the right equation b/c the answer seems awfully high.

The second part of the question i don't know which equation to use.
Thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Just ignore the spring, because it is not being stretched yet. She's just plain old falling.
 

Similar threads

Replies
44
Views
7K
Replies
12
Views
2K
Replies
26
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
6K
Replies
9
Views
4K
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
6K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
5K