Calculating the Average Force of Air Resistance on a Stunt Man

What was the average force of air resistance exerted on the stunt man during his fall?

The average drag force on the stuntman during a fall is 305.29 N. Force is a push or a pull. To calculate the average force of air resistance exerted on the stunt man during his fall, we need to begin by collecting the kinetic energy of the stuntman. The parameters provided are as follows:

  • Mass (m): 82 kg
  • Velocity (v): 22 m/s
Now, we can calculate the Kinetic Energy (KE) of the stuntman using the formula:
  • KE = 0.5 * m * v^2
Substitute the values:
  • KE = 0.5 * 82 * 22^2
  • KE = 19844 J
Finally, we need to determine the average drag force applied to the stuntman. This can be done by calculating the work done during the fall. The formula for work is:
  • Work (W) = Force (F) * Displacement (d)
Given that the distance of the fall is 65 meters and the energy calculated is 19844 J, we can calculate the average force as follows:
  • 19844 = F * 65
  • Divide both sides by 65: F = 19844 / 65
  • Therefore, the average force of air resistance exerted on the stunt man during his fall is 305.29 N

Understanding the Calculation Process

To calculate the average force of air resistance on the stunt man, we first determine the kinetic energy of the stuntman using the provided mass and velocity. Kinetic energy is the energy possessed by an object due to its motion. The formula for kinetic energy is as follows:
  • Kinetic Energy (KE) = 0.5 * mass * velocity^2
Substituting the given values, we find that the kinetic energy of the stuntman is 19844 J. Next, we need to calculate the work done during the fall to determine the average force of air resistance. Work is defined as the product of force and displacement in the direction of the force. The formula for work is given by:
  • Work (W) = Force (F) * Displacement (d)
Given that the energy is 19844 J and the distance fallen is 65 meters, we can set up the following equation:
  • 19844 = F * 65
Solving for the average force of air resistance, we divide both sides by 65:
  • F = 19844 / 65
  • F = 305.29 N
Therefore, the average force of air resistance exerted on the stunt man during his fall is 305.29 N.
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