An astronaut wearing a spacesuit can jump 0.5 m vertically at the surface of the earth. The gravitational acceleration on Mars is 0.4 times that on the earth. If her takeoff velocity is the same, how high can the astronaut jump on Mars?

Question

An astronaut wearing a spacesuit can jump 0.5 m vertically at the surface of the earth.  The gravitational acceleration on Mars is 0.4 times that on the earth.  If her takeoff velocity is the same, how high can the astronaut jump on Mars?

bobpursley · Answer

originalKE=finalPE 1/2 mv^2=mgh h=v^2/2g so if g is .4, then hmars=heightearth*1/.4=he*2.5