How far can you fall before you die?
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Ethan Roberts
Works at the International Renewable Energy Agency, Lives in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
As a physicist with expertise in the mechanics of falling objects and the human body's response to impact, I can provide an informed response to your question about the survivability of falls. However, it's important to note that the outcome of a fall is influenced by numerous factors, including the individual's health, the surface they land on, and the position of their body during impact.
The human body is remarkably resilient, but there are limits to the force it can withstand. The survivability of a fall is often discussed in terms of the height from which a person falls and the speed they reach upon impact. The speed of a fall can be calculated using the following equation:
\[ v^2 = u^2 + 2as \]
Where:
- \( v \) is the final velocity,
- \( u \) is the initial velocity (which is 0 for a free fall),
- \( a \) is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately \( 9.81 \, \text{m/s}^2 \) on Earth),
- \( s \) is the distance fallen.
For a free fall, the final velocity can be found using the formula:
\[ v = \sqrt{2gh} \]
Where:
- \( g \) is the acceleration due to gravity,
- \( h \) is the height fallen.
The impact force on the human body is also influenced by the time over which the deceleration occurs. A longer deceleration time can significantly reduce the force experienced by the body.
Reports suggest that falls from heights of around 10 to 12 meters (about 33 to 39 feet) have a high likelihood of resulting in fatality due to the high impact forces. However, there are cases where individuals have survived falls from greater heights, often with severe injuries. The survival can be attributed to factors such as landing on soft surfaces, water, or even being caught by someone or something before hitting the ground.
It's crucial to emphasize that attempting to fall from significant heights is extremely dangerous and should never be done intentionally.
The human body is remarkably resilient, but there are limits to the force it can withstand. The survivability of a fall is often discussed in terms of the height from which a person falls and the speed they reach upon impact. The speed of a fall can be calculated using the following equation:
\[ v^2 = u^2 + 2as \]
Where:
- \( v \) is the final velocity,
- \( u \) is the initial velocity (which is 0 for a free fall),
- \( a \) is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately \( 9.81 \, \text{m/s}^2 \) on Earth),
- \( s \) is the distance fallen.
For a free fall, the final velocity can be found using the formula:
\[ v = \sqrt{2gh} \]
Where:
- \( g \) is the acceleration due to gravity,
- \( h \) is the height fallen.
The impact force on the human body is also influenced by the time over which the deceleration occurs. A longer deceleration time can significantly reduce the force experienced by the body.
Reports suggest that falls from heights of around 10 to 12 meters (about 33 to 39 feet) have a high likelihood of resulting in fatality due to the high impact forces. However, there are cases where individuals have survived falls from greater heights, often with severe injuries. The survival can be attributed to factors such as landing on soft surfaces, water, or even being caught by someone or something before hitting the ground.
It's crucial to emphasize that attempting to fall from significant heights is extremely dangerous and should never be done intentionally.
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Studied at the University of Barcelona, Lives in Barcelona, Spain.
The median height leading to death is about 49 feet (15 meters), or about 4 to 5 storeys. 100% of victims die after falling 85 feet (25 meters), or about 8 storeys. Obviously, the 100% figure is incorrect as there have been individual people who survived higher falls.
2023-04-09 14:02:37
Lucas Gonzales
QuesHub.com delivers expert answers and knowledge to you.
The median height leading to death is about 49 feet (15 meters), or about 4 to 5 storeys. 100% of victims die after falling 85 feet (25 meters), or about 8 storeys. Obviously, the 100% figure is incorrect as there have been individual people who survived higher falls.
