A pole vaulter clears 6.00 m . With what speed does he strike the mat in the landing area? 1) \( 2.70 \mathrm{~m} / \mathrm{s} \) 2) \( 5.40 \mathrm{~m} / \mathrm{s} \) 3) \( 10.8 \mathrm{~m} / \mathrm{s} \) 4) \( 21.6 \mathrm{~m} / \mathrm{s} \) 5) \( 26.7 \mathrm{~m} / \mathrm{s} \) Question 61 (1 point)

To determine the speed at which the pole vaulter strikes the mat after clearing a height of 6.00 meters, we can use the principle of energy conservation or kinematics. By applying the kinematic equation for free fall, we can find the final speed just before he lands. The equation is: \[ v = \sqrt{2gh} \] Where \( g \) (acceleration due to gravity) is approximately \( 9.81 \, \mathrm{m/s^2} \) and \( h \) is the height (6.00 m). Plugging in the numbers: \[ v = \sqrt{2 \times 9.81 \, \mathrm{m/s^2} \times 6.00 \, \mathrm{m}} = \sqrt{117.72} \approx 10.84 \, \mathrm{m/s} \] So the correct speed when the pole vaulter strikes the mat is approximately \( 10.8 \, \mathrm{m/s} \) (option 3). Understanding how forces work in vertical motion can be very engaging! For example, if the pole vaulter were to jump higher, he would strike the mat even faster due to the increased gravitational energy being converted into kinetic energy. Exciting, right? Higher heights mean more speed - just like how superheroes need to be careful when flying around tall buildings! If you're intrigued by the dynamics of sports and gravity, diving into the physics behind high-performance athletics can be fascinating. There are inspirational stories of athletes and breakthroughs in training methods that blend technology and human ability! Check out books on sports science or documentaries that showcase the triumphs and setbacks in sports, like “The Physics of Sports” for a thrilling journey through this engaging intersection of physics and athleticism!