Question

If the flea jumps straight up, how high will it go? (Ignore air resistance for this problem; in reality, air resistance plays a large role, and the flea will not reach this height.)

Answer 1

Answer:

The flea will reach to a height of 5.2 cm.

Explanation:

Let us assume it is given that, a flea reaches a takeoff speed of 1.0 m/s over a distance of 0.50 mm.

Initial speed, u = 1 m/s

Initial distance, x = 0.5 mm

We need to find the height reached by the flea. Using third equation of motion to find it.

At maximum height, its final speed, v = 0

$v^2-u^2=2ah$

Here, a = -g

$-u^2=-2g(h-x)\\\\1^2=2\times 9.8\times (h-0.5\times 10^{-3})\\\\h=0.052\ m$

or

h = 5.2 cm

So, the flea will reach to a height of 5.2 cm.