How to Understand Bungee Jumping Physics

A great way to deliver a kinetic energy lesson in high school physics is to teach the physics of bungee jumping. Bungee jumping is all about physics in action. Not that you can all pile into the school bus to go bungee jumping, but you can certainly use the concept to make a kinetic energy lesson a little more interesting.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

The First Law of Thermodynamics

1. Understand that energy cannot be created or destroyed; it can only be transformed.

2. Show the potential energy at the top of the platform. Discuss the weight of the jumper and the distance to fall.

3. Discuss how long the spring needs to be in order to absorb the kinetic energy of the fall without splattering the jumper on the ground.

4. Ask how different thicknesses of bungee and different lengths will provide different falls.

5. Divide the class into groups and calculate how many times the jumper will bounce before coming to rest.

Newton's First Law of Motion

6. Newton's First Law of Motion states that: A body in motion will remain in motion until acted upon by a force. A body at rest will remain at rest unless acted on by a force.

7. Talk about the forces involved: gravity, the weight of the jumper, when the bungee turns into a force.

8. Discuss what would happen if the jumper were pushed off instead of jumping by themselves.

9. Discuss what would happen if a wind was blowing. Determine how strong a wind would have to be in order to push the jumper out of safety.

Tips & Warnings

• Divide the class into groups or have individuals build a bungee jump model.

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