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?