Question

If Michael Jordan has a vertical leap of

1.5 m, then what is his takeoff speed?
(g = 10m/s)

Answer 1

Velocity = 5.47[m/s]

Step-by-step explanation:

Using one of the equations given (kinematic equation), we can find the initial velocity or the takeoff speed at which Michael Jordan can jump.

`v_(x) ^(2) =v_(x0) ^(2)+2*a*(x-x_(0) ) \\where:\\v_(x)= final velocity [m/s]\\v_(x0)=initial velocity or takeoff velocity [m/s]\\a= acceleration = 10 [m/s^2]\\x = final displacement [m]x_(0) = initial displacement [m]`

In this particular case we need to stablish the conditions:

1) Vx = 0 (because when Michael Jordan reach the highest elevation his velocity will be zero

2) x = 1.5 [m] (maximum elevation reached by Michael Jordan)

3) X0= 0[m] (When Jordan has his feet on the ground]

Now replacing the values:

`0^(2)=v_(0)^(2)   -2*(10)*(1.5-0)\\v_(0)=√(2*10*(1.5)) \\v_(0)=5.47[m/s]`

Note: we take acceleration with minus sign because acceleration is action down