Question

An acapulco cliff diver in (m = 70.0 kg) jumps 30.0 meters from the top of the cliff toward the ocean below. However, in a freak accident, halfway down 8.00 meters from his launch point, he crashes into a hang glider (total mass 85.0 kg) flying horizontally at 6.5 m/s. Assuming an inelastic collision and terminal velocity from that point on, how far from the intended entry point do the two hit the ocean, and how fast are they moving? For simplicity, assume no air drag during the diver's free fall and a value of g = 10 m/s².

Answer 1

The question involves physics concepts such as mechanics, projectile motion, and the conservation of momentum in an inelastic collision to determine the point of impact and final velocity of the diver and hang glider.

The acapulco cliff diver question involves the application of principles from physics, specifically mechanics and the conservation of momentum in an inelastic collision. Calculating the point where the cliff diver and hang glider hit the ocean after the collision involves understanding projectile motion and the conservation of momentum. The final velocity of their combined mass after the inelastic collision is key to determining both how fast they are moving and how far from the intended entry point they hit the ocean.