Unlock the Secret of a Gravity-Defying Parkour Stunt—With Physics!

We will break that diagonal movement down into horizontal and vertical parts; for now let’s simply concentrate on the previous. Say you begin with a horizontal velocity (v1) of –1 meter per second and rebound with a horizontal velocity (v2) of +1 m/s. The change of signal signifies the reversal of path. Consider it such as you’re transferring forwards and backwards alongside the x axis of a coordinate aircraft, damaging to the left, optimistic to the proper.

Discover that your velocity stays the identical, however the velocity modifications. (Keep in mind, velocity has a path.) Actually, as a result of your horizontal velocity reverses, you get an enormous improve in velocity. (v2 – v1) = (1 – (–1)) = 2. This provides you a bigger influence acceleration, a better regular drive, and extra friction. The bouncing forwards and backwards is the entire key to beating gravity on this stunt.

So how a lot drive would you’ll want to exert to make one among these rebounding wall jumps? As an example you have got a mass of 75 kilograms and a friction coefficient of 0.6, which might be conservative for rubber soles.

For starters, the frictional drive (Ff) should equal or exceed the gravitational drive (mg). The gravitational subject power on Earth (g) is 9.8 newtons per kilogram. So the gravitational drive, (m x g) = 75 x 9.8 = 735 newtons.

Now keep in mind, the frictional drive is the traditional drive instances the coefficient of friction (Ff = μN). So to realize a minimal frictional drive of 735 newtons, we want a standard drive of no less than 1,225 newtons (Ff/μ = 735/0.6 = 1,225).

Each of those forces, gravity and the traditional drive, are pushing on you, so we have to add them as much as get the web drive. Since they’re perpendicular, we will simply calculate the vector sum as 1,429 newtons. (Take word, children: You need to be a parkour hero? Take linear algebra.)

Meaning you’ll want to push again with the identical drive (as a result of forces are an interplay between two issues). 1,429 newtons is a drive of 321 kilos. That is vital however not inconceivable. Doing it eight times in rapid succession, although? Not really easy.

How a lot time do you need to do the turnaround? With the traditional drive and mass of the particular person, we will calculate the horizontal acceleration ax. By definition, that in flip equals the change in velocity per unit of time (Δt), so we will use that to resolve for the time interval:

Plugging in our numbers, we get a time interval of 0.12 second. In different phrases, if you happen to hesitate you fall. Backside line, if you wish to do that superior parkour stunt you gotta be sturdy, quick, and fearless—as a result of if you happen to run in need of newtons midway up, the descent is loads sooner than the ascent.

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