Physics textbook conceptual question, please help! Thank you!!
2007-11-21 17:02:53 · 11 answers · asked by Kiwikahuna 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
When the person climbed the tree, the person stored potential energy of position in the body. With Newton's Laws of Motion, we can see that, while the person went up the tree, the Earth, as a whole, went down--but the Earth, being so massive, moved such a small amount that it literally is too small to notice.
When the person jumps out of the tree, gravity takes over. The stored energy is now expended as the body accelerates toward the ground (and the Earth, toward the body--again, the distance it moves is too small to notice!) until it reaches the ground.
The massive Earth, moving toward the body, has its momentum cancelled out exactly by the rapidly-falling (and much less massive!) body. They both return to their original rest state. (Although, the body may need a doctor or a mortician, depending on the height of the tree.)
Energy goes in as you climb; energy comes out as you fall.
2007-11-21 17:10:39 · answer #1 · answered by Garon Whited 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
momentum being mass times speed, is explained in the third law of Newton..... Total momentum in a system will remain the same.. so if we compare the a person falling or jumping from a tree is an object and the Earth another.... the momentum is exactly the same just before the collision and after it... due to the third law...but the movement of Earth is so insignificant people take for granted energy is lost ... but it isn't so.... hope it helps u solve your question
2007-11-22 01:15:20 · answer #2 · answered by Miguel G 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The momentum is transferred mostly to your body. Muscles and tendons (and the soles of your shoes) compress or stretch, then return to their normal position, dissipating the energy. If there is too much momentum, then you sprain an ankle or break a leg.
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When I read the 2 preceding answers, I think I may be full of s**t!
2007-11-22 01:20:49 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most of your momentum is transferred to planet earth. Because the mass of earth is enormous compared to the mass of 'you', you appear to stop and the earth does not 'appear' to move. In reality, you 'almost stop' and the earth moves very, very slightly as your two masses join.
2007-11-22 01:12:08 · answer #4 · answered by Doctor J 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is absorbed by your body and any deformation of the ground. In a severe case you can see the energy absorption when bones get broken !
2007-11-22 01:08:36 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
Doesn't the momentum come to a hault as they hit the solid surface?
(don't completely trust my answer, I failed science.)
2007-11-22 01:06:12 · answer #6 · answered by Starr 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋
It goes to their feet. and bounces back upwards into the body.
2007-11-22 01:05:56 · answer #7 · answered by Gwynny 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
it is absored through whatever hits the ground first...
2007-11-22 01:10:08 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
its absorbed a litle by the grass, and your shoes, ankles, legs.
2007-11-22 01:06:01 · answer #9 · answered by i love my bike 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
it is absorb by your legs, and knees.
2007-11-22 01:05:17 · answer #10 · answered by poepad 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋