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When a flea (m = 450 μg) is jumping up, it extends its legs 0.5 mm and reaches a speed of 1 m/s in that time. What is the average force exerted by the flea during the jump?

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Final answer:

To find the average force exerted by the flea during the jump, we can use Newton's second law of motion. First, convert the extension of the flea's leg from millimeters to meters. Next, use the formula acceleration = (final velocity - initial velocity) / time to find the acceleration. Finally, use the formula F = m x a to find the average force exerted by the flea.

Step-by-step explanation:

To find the average force exerted by the flea during the jump, we can use Newton's second law of motion, which states that force (F) equals mass (m) times acceleration (a). In this case, the mass of the flea is given as 450 μg, which is equal to 450 x 10^-9 kg. The acceleration is determined by dividing the change in velocity by the time it takes to achieve that change.

First, convert the extension of the flea's leg from millimeters to meters by dividing 0.5 mm by 1000. This gives a value of 0.0005 m. Next, we can use the formula acceleration (a) = (final velocity - initial velocity) / time to find the acceleration.

Substituting the given values, we get a = (1 m/s - 0 m/s) / (0.0005 s). Therefore, the acceleration is 2000 m/s^2.

Finally, we can use the formula F = m x a to find the average force exerted by the flea. Substituting m = 450 x 10^-9 kg and a = 2000 m/s^2, we get F = (450 x 10^-9 kg) x (2000 m/s^2). Therefore, the average force exerted by the flea during the jump is 0.9 x 10^-4 N.

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