Final answer:
To find the initial velocity of the flea that jumps to a height of 0.550 m, kinematic equations are used. Assuming the final velocity at the peak height is 0 m/s and the acceleration is -9.81 m/s^2 due to gravity, the calculated initial velocity is approximately 3.29 m/s.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the initial velocity of the flea as it leaves the ground, we can use the principles of kinematics. More specifically, the kinematic equation for an object under constant acceleration due to gravity is:
v2 = u2 + 2as, where 'v' is the final velocity, 'u' is the initial velocity, 's' is the displacement, and 'a' is the acceleration (which, in this case, is the acceleration due to gravity, g = -9.81 m/s2).
When the flea reaches its maximum height, the final velocity ('v') is 0 m/s. Substituting 'v' with 0, 'g' with -9.81 m/s2, and 's' with the maximum height of 0.550 m, we get:
0 = u2 + 2(-9.81)(0.550)
After solving this equation for 'u', we find that the initial velocity of the flea as it leaves the ground is approximately 3.29 m/s.