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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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Of the many catapult designs that can be easily made by high school students, one of the best creations in terms of ease of construction, consistency, and ease of launch. To build a simple PVC powered catapult simply create a simple square base and attach a single crossbar approximately 3 feet above the height of the base. Attach one end of a 9ft long, 1in diameter PVC pipe directly below or slightly behind the crossbar. Be sure that the PVC is in front of the crossbar. To the other end of the pipe attach a holding mechanism to place your launch material into. Approximately 1 ft. from the top end of the PVC attach a strong rope which will be used as your firing mechanism. Run the rope under the back of the catapult. Before pulling on the rope drive a stake into the ground on the inside edge of all the corners to prevent the catapult from moving. Pulling back on the rope will bend the PVC towards you allowing someone else to load the object to be fired. Releasing the rope will allow the PVC to snap back to its original position launching the object.
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Hi everybody, This was a good week in physics C. We started out with Columbus day so it was a shortened week which was great. This week we focused on work, energy, and power which was mostly a review from last year which means we use equations from last year and do stuff that makes no sense using those equations and Calculus. This Tuesday Mr.Fullerton introduced us to the concept of work and we continued that concept all week. We learned how to use calc to solve more interesting problems with work and power and did alot of examples and practice problems to get used to what was going on. Some important equations we learned are W = F * D P = (W/t) = F•v
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Lets start this simply
username commented on running_dry's blog entry in Tired and a little dehydrated
Would a shop that sold frictionless tables put anyone out of business. Could you even set something on them and have it stay still?. -
1) I am interested in science and history and am reasonably good at both. One way in which I could improve is to start projects sooner. 2) I'm taking physics C this year because I liked physics last year and wanted to continue my studies in the subject. 3) I hope to learn about physics and get a five on the AP this year. 4) I am not excited about anythng specific this year becasue I don't know what we will be doing. 5) I am not anxious about anything for the same reason I am not excited about anything.