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During a high jump event, a landing mat or sand bed is placed for the athlete to fall upon (Fig. 6.39). Explain the reason behind it.
View Answer
The soft mat or sand increases the time over which the athlete's body stops on landing. A longer stopping time means a smaller acceleration, and so a smaller force acts on the athlete (F = ma), reducing the risk of injury.
Why the landing mat is used
The athlete lands on a soft mat
the mat squashes, so the fall is stopped
slowly
↓
A longer stopping time
the same change in velocity is spread over more time
↓
Smaller acceleration
a =
v-u
t
— a bigger
t
means a smaller
a
↓
F = ma ⇒ a
smaller force
acts on the athlete, so there is less injury
