How to find the Max. distance of the bungee jumper?

In summary, the maximum distance of fall for a volunteer with a mass of 70 kg in a bungee jump, tethered to a bridge with an elastic cable of unstretched length 20m and elastic modulus 3000 N, can be found by using the law of conservation of mechanical energy. This involves equating the total mechanical energy before and after the jump, and solving for the distance of fall. The spring constant can be related to the elastic modulus of the bungee cord, and further calculations are needed to find the exact distance.
  • #1
Esta
3
0
Please help me to solve this question because I don't have a clue to do that!

Q: In a bungee jump a volunteer of mass 70 kg drops from a bridge, tethered to his jump point by an elastic cable of unstretched length L = 20m and elastic modulus 3000 N. Ifnoring energy losses, and assuming he hits nothing below, find the jumper's maximum distance of fall.

Thanks!
 
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  • #2
HINT:Use the law of conservation of mechanical energy.Pay attention with the 3 various types of energy the system has and with the "zero" for gravitational potential energy.

Daniel.

P.S.The problem is posted twice...
 
  • #3
Esta said:
Please help me to solve this question because I don't have a clue to do that!

Q: In a bungee jump a volunteer of mass 70 kg drops from a bridge, tethered to his jump point by an elastic cable of unstretched length L = 20m and elastic modulus 3000 N. Ifnoring energy losses, and assuming he hits nothing below, find the jumper's maximum distance of fall.

Thanks!

The total mechanical energy before the jump is equal to the total mechanical energy after the jump.

The relevant equation is [itex]K_1 + U_{grav,1} = K_2 + U_{grav,2} + U_{el,2}[/itex].

[itex]\frac{1}{2}mv_1^{2} + mgy_1 = \frac{1}{2}mv_2^{2} + mgy_2 + \frac{1}{2}ky_2^{2}[/itex]

Choosing the relaxed hanging length of the rope as the origin,

[itex]0 + mgL = mgy_2 + \frac{1}{2}ky_2^{2}[/itex].

Exercise for the reader: find an equation relating the spring constant to the elastic modulus of the bungee cord and solve the above equation for [itex]y_2[/itex]. Hint: the distance of fall is not [itex]y_2[/itex].
 
  • #4
Potential energy for spring constant F=- kx, k=λ*A*x/L λ; however, now (A)cross-section area of the cord is provided; for string constant F = -λ (x/L). But will they equal?! kx = λ (x/L)?!

Sorry, still not very understand! :frown:
 
Last edited:

FAQ: How to find the Max. distance of the bungee jumper?

1. How do you calculate the maximum distance of a bungee jumper?

The maximum distance of a bungee jumper can be calculated using the formula d = mg/k, where d is the maximum distance, m is the mass of the jumper, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and k is the bungee cord's spring constant.

2. What factors affect the maximum distance of a bungee jumper?

The maximum distance of a bungee jumper is affected by several factors, such as the bungee cord's length and elasticity, the mass of the jumper, and the location and height of the jump.

3. Can the maximum distance of a bungee jumper be predicted accurately?

While the maximum distance of a bungee jumper can be estimated using mathematical formulas, it may not always be accurate due to external factors such as wind resistance and the bungee cord's wear and tear.

4. How does the location of the jump affect the maximum distance of a bungee jumper?

The location of the jump can greatly affect the maximum distance of a bungee jumper. Jumps from higher locations will result in a longer maximum distance, while jumps from lower locations will result in a shorter maximum distance.

5. Is the maximum distance of a bungee jumper the same for all bungee cords?

No, the maximum distance of a bungee jumper can vary depending on the bungee cord's length and elasticity. A longer and more elastic bungee cord will result in a longer maximum distance for the jumper.

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