How Can the Rocketeer Safely Catch the Falling Student from the CN Tower?

  • Thread starter Ali Asadullah
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In summary, a student walks off the top of the CN Tower, falling freely with an initial velocity of zero. The rocketeer arrives 5 seconds later and dives off the tower to save the student. To prevent injury, the rocketeer must catch the student at a height above ground where they will both slow down and arrive at the ground with zero velocity. The rocketeer's jet pack provides the upward acceleration needed for this, but before catching the student, the rocketeer is also in free fall. The magnitude of the acceleration must be no more than 5 times the acceleration due to gravity to prevent discomfort to the student. To determine the minimum height for the catch, the rocketeer's initial downward speed must be calculated.
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Ali Asadullah
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A real challenge to all physicsist!

In order to experience free fall a student walks off the top of the CN Tower which is 553m high and falls freely. His initial velocity is zero. The rocketeer arrives at the scene 5 seconds later and dives off the top of the tower to save the student. The rocketeer leaves the roof with an initial downward speed v0. in order both to get the student and to prevent injury to him the rocketeer should catch the student at a sufficiently great height above ground so that the rocketeer and the student slow down and arrive at the ground with zero velocity. The upward acceleration that accomplish this is provided by the rocketeer's jet pack. which is turned on just as he catch the student. Before then the rocketeer is in free fall. To prevent discomfort to the student the magnitude of the acceleration of rocketeer and the student as they move downward together should be no more that 5 times g. What is the minimum height above the ground at which the rocketeer should catch the student? What must be the rocketeer's initial downward speed so that he catch the student at the minimum height found above.
 
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Hi Ali! :wink:

Show us what you've tried, and where you're stuck, and then we'll know how to help! :smile:
 

FAQ: How Can the Rocketeer Safely Catch the Falling Student from the CN Tower?

What is "A real challenge to all physicists"?

"A real challenge to all physicists" refers to a problem, theory, or concept that presents a major obstacle or difficulty in the field of physics. It may require new approaches, technologies, or collaborations to solve.

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Physicists often identify a real challenge through observations and experiments that don't align with current theories or models. They may also identify challenges through theoretical inconsistencies or gaps in knowledge.

What are some examples of real challenges in physics?

Some examples of real challenges in physics include dark matter and dark energy, quantum gravity, the origin of the universe, and the integration of quantum mechanics and general relativity.

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