Question

The best rebounders in basketball have a vertical leap of about 121 cm. What is their vertical "launch" speed off the ground?

Answer 1

v0 = initial speed

g= gravity = 9.8 m/s^2

h= height = 121 cm = 1.21 m

KE = PE

1/2*v^2 *m = mgh

1/2 v^2 = gh

vo^2 = 2* g* h

vo^2 = 2* 9.8 * 1.21

vo = √(2* 9.8 * 1.21)

vo= 4.87 m/s

Their vertical launch speed is 4.87 m/s