Questions to Ponder

Contemplate these to come to a better understanding of the physics of jumping

Before proceeding to the rest of the web site, we suggest you try answering some basic questions about a springbok.

  • Why does a springbok jump?
  • What forces do work on a springbok?
  • What is the source of energy for a jumping springbok?
  • What forces provide an impulse to the springbok?
  • Under what circumstances will it leave the table --- e.g., will it leave the table if the masses on the two ends are equal?
  • What factor(s) determine how high a springbok will jump --- e.g., will it reach the same height on the moon as on the earth?
  • If the masses on the two ends are unequal, for which orientation of the masses will the springbok jump the highest?