A flea jumps straight up to a maximum height of 0.460 m . What is its initial velocity v0 as it leaves the ground?
Finding the Initial Velocity of a Jumping Flea
We are given that the flea jumps to a maximum height of 0.460 m. To find the initial velocity v₀, we will use the following kinematic equation:
v² = v₀² – 2g h
At the maximum height, final velocity v = 0, so:
0 = v₀² – 2gh → v₀² = 2gh → v₀ = √(2gh)
At the maximum height, final velocity v = 0, so:
0 = v₀² – 2gh → v₀² = 2gh → v₀ = √(2gh)
Substitute the known values:
- g = 9.81 m/s² (acceleration due to gravity)
- h = 0.460 m
v₀ = √(2 × 9.81 × 0.460) = √(9.0212) ≈ 3.00 m/s
✅ The initial velocity v₀ of the flea as it leaves the ground is approximately 3.00 m/s.