The question wheter to jump or not has been asked several times, it's clear that jumping won't help.
But many people suggested that the best way to survive in a falling elevator is to lie down flat on the ground. (to spread the force on a large surface).
I don't think that is reasonable!
I mean our legs and spine are made to protect the brain from shock. If we laid flat on the ground there would be no springing. you would hit the floor right with your head...
Have you ever jumped down a tree outstreched flat to spread the force? That's redicolous...
Some people here are giving advices that are far from reality...
What do you think?
2006-10-23 04:30:10 · 6 answers · asked by DrAnubis 4 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
swd wrote: I know they tested this on mythbusters so you may want to ask this question on their ? board at discovery channel.com
I saw the episode and they concluded that your just plain screwed no matter what you do.
If the fall wasn't too far you might be better able to absorb the energy by standing and letting your body go limp. Collapse at the moment of impact the way they teach parachutes to absorb a fast landing
2006-10-23 05:03:58 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi. All elevators have large springs built into the floors the minimize the g-force in case of a cable snap combined with a brake failure. I think I would try to lay flat if I was not in free fall.
2006-10-23 11:34:03 · answer #2 · answered by Cirric 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
whatever you do, protecting your head should be of primary importance.
I suggest kneeling in prayer. The impact will force your coccyx (butt bone) to be cushioned by your lower legs, thus protecting your spine better... but probably pulling all the ?lateral muscles in your legs and breaking both ankles.
Hands up by your bent face should cushion your nose from direct contact with the walls or the floor... helping prevent a broken nasal bone from lodging in the brain. But you'll still probably have serious whiplash.
Just an idea.
2006-10-23 11:45:53 · answer #3 · answered by LadyDragon 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
depends from what floor level the elevator is dropping.
2006-10-23 11:41:07 · answer #4 · answered by caifan_909 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the best thing to do is reach under grab both cheeks and kiss it goodbye
2006-10-23 11:33:23 · answer #5 · answered by blank 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know they tested this on mythbusters so you may want to ask this question on their ? board at discovery channel.com
2006-10-23 11:36:44 · answer #6 · answered by coolpuffin 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋