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The physics of Jumping

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Jumping like most things requires far more physics than is commonly considered when the action is performed. The maximum height and distance of a jump are determined by three main factors, launch angle, force applied, distance over which the force is applied, and duration of the force. As any physics student can see this fits the equation P= (Fdcosθ)/t meaning that a jump is determined by the power of the jumper against the surface they are jumping from. This means that in order to increase the effectiveness of a jump many different factors must be accounted for. Height is maximized with a launch angle of 90 degrees and distance is maximized with a launch angle of 45 degrees. The distance over which the force is applied can be increased by increasing leg length as is the case in frogs or by changing the surface such as jumping on a trampoline. Force can be increased and time decreased by increasing muscle strength or using elastic elements such as tendons which can release energy faster than muscles. Also interesting is the fact that all jumps follow a parabolic arc because jumps are an example of ballistic motion.

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