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Problem: The math behind bungee jumping
This demonstration shows how to use MATLAB to model a simple physics problem faced by a college student.
During spring break, John Smith wants to go bungee jumping. John has to determine which elastic cord is best suited for his weight.
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The air resistance that the bungee jumper faces is R= a1*v - a2*|v|*v Where A1=1 |
The length of the unstretched cord is 30m. The bungee jumpers is 80m above the ground.

To solve this physics problem, we need to:
- Determine all the forces acting ON the body.
- Draw a free body diagram.
- Apply Newton's second law.
- Solve the equation.
- Determine the forces acting ON the body.
Weight (W):
W = m*g
m = 90 kg
g = 10 m/s^2
Air Resistance (R):
R=a1*v+a2*|v|*v
a1=1
a2=1
v=dx/dt
Force from the elastic cord (Fe):
Fe= k*x if x>0
0 if x<0 - Draw the free body diagram.

Please note that we have selected downwards as the positive axis. - Apply Newton's second law.
Net forces=m*a
W-R-Fe=m*a
mg-Fe-a1*v+a2*|v|*v=m*a
where v=dx/dt and a=dv/dt

- Solve the equation.
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