Gravity accelerates objects downward at 9.8 m/s. How much downwards force does the man generate with each step he takes? how much work is performed when gravity pulls him down 0.5 m after each step?
To calculate the downwards force generated by a man with each step, we need to know his mass. Let's assume his mass is 70 kg.
The force can be calculated using Newton's second law of motion, which states that force (F) is equal to mass (m) multiplied by acceleration (a).
Force = mass * acceleration
Acceleration due to gravity is approximately 9.8 m/s².
Force = 70 kg * 9.8 m/s²
Force ≈ 686 Newtons
Therefore, with each step, the man generates a downwards force of approximately 686 Newtons.
To calculate the work performed when gravity pulls the man down 0.5 m after each step, we need to know the force exerted by gravity and the distance covered.
The force exerted by gravity can be calculated using the formula mentioned earlier: Force = mass * acceleration. We'll still assume the mass is 70 kg, and the acceleration is 9.8 m/s².
Force = 70 kg * 9.8 m/s²
Force ≈ 686 Newtons
The work done by gravity is given by the formula: Work = force * distance.
Distance = 0.5 m
Work = 686 Newtons * 0.5 m
Work ≈ 343 Joules
Therefore, when gravity pulls the man down 0.5 m after each step, approximately 343 Joules of work is performed.