Question

During an Athletic Meet a high jumper athlete is provided either a cushion or a heap of sand on the ground to fall upon. Why?

Answer 1

Hey Mate!!

Here is your answer...

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= This is done to prevent injury to athlete when he falls down after making a high jump.

DETAILED EXPLANATION-

When the high jumper falls on a soft landing site, such as a cushion or a heap of sand, Then the jumper takes longer time to come to a stop. The rate of change of momentum of the athlete is less due to which the smaller stopping force acts on the athlete. And the athlete does not get hurt. Thus cushion or sand, being soft reduces the athlete's Momentum more gently.
If, however, high jumping athlete falls from a height on to hard ground, then his Momentum will be reduced to zero in a very short time. The rate of change of momentum will be large due to which a large opposing force will act on the athlete. this can cause serious injuries to the athlete.

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Hope Helped :)

Answer 2

Hey Mate!!

Here is your answer...

_________________________

= This is done to prevent injury to athlete when he falls down after making a high jump.

DETAILED EXPLANATION-

When the high jumper falls on a soft landing site, such as a cushion or a heap of sand, Then the jumper takes longer time to come to a stop. The rate of change of momentum of the athlete is less due to which the smaller stopping force acts on the athlete. And the athlete does not get hurt. Thus cushion or sand, being soft reduces the athlete's Momentum more gently.

If, however, high jumping athlete falls from a height on to hard ground, then his Momentum will be reduced to zero in a very short time. The rate of change of momentum will be large due to which a large opposing force will act on the athlete. this can cause serious injuries to the athlete.

_________________________

Hope Helped :)