Question

In a high jump competition: What would be the maximum height an athlete could jump using a pole? Find out what the world record is and compare with its result. Does your reasoning allow you to understand why a good pole vaulter has to be a very fast runner? Can your method be applied to estimate maximum height in a pole vault high jump competition? Why can you jump higher with the pole than without it? The figure shows the jump by the time the athlete reaches maximum height and is passing over the bar.

* The figure is not available

Answer 1

The maximum height an athlete could jump using a pole is approximately ranging from 5-6 m.This value can be obtained by considering certain factors relating the height and speed of the pole vaulter.The speed is a factor for obtaining the maximum height for the athlete.When there is maximum speed it will result in maximum kinetic energy and this kinetic energy is converted into gravitational potential energy and this will affect the height.we can obtain a mathematical equation considering kinetic energy and gravitational potential energy. Kinetic energy=Gravitational potential energy 1/2*m*v^2=m*g(h) where m is the mass of the pole vaulter,v is the velocity of pole vaulter just before jump,g is the gravitational constant(9.8 m/s) and h is change in height of pole vaulter with respect to his centre of mass. For example if the centre of mass of pole vaulter is approximately 1 m off the ground and runs at 10 m/s then the maximum height is obtained as 6.1 m.The highest pole vault record is 6.18 m which is approximately equal to the maximum height obtained under calculation.

The pole vaulter has to run as fast as he can because his speed depends on his jump.Above we have mentioned the importance of kinetic energy which is obtained from the speed of the run.

The method of calculation mentioned above can be utilised to find the maximum height in a pole vault jump competition.

The difference in jump with and without the pole can be identified easily because by using the pole maximum height is obtained.The scientific reason behind this is that the pole must be very elastic for using in pole vault because it will help to increase the speed of the run and also the kinetic energy is converted to elastic kinetic energy and this is again converted into gravitational potential energy.so the pole act as a medium in converting the kinetic energy to gravitational potential energy.

There are other factors for obtaining the maximum height such as the athlete has to bend their body at height by providing a particular horizontal velocity and reduce the effect of centre of mass and also the the air resistance affected.This will affect the athlete to take particular measures in higher altitudes and at sea level.