Hello.
I need some help with physics in order to argue a point more clearly.
I think that a short and thin person would usually be able to jump higher than a tall and thin person. Is this true? And if so, is it because of a lower center of gravity?
If a lower center of gravity would help a person jump higher, please let me know of any quick physics resources online that would help me better explain "center of gravity."
I don't actually really know if short and thin people can jump higher--I'm just guessing since dancers and gymnasts are always small and light.
Thanks for your help!
:-)
I need some help with physics in order to argue a point more clearly.
I think that a short and thin person would usually be able to jump higher than a tall and thin person. Is this true? And if so, is it because of a lower center of gravity?
If a lower center of gravity would help a person jump higher, please let me know of any quick physics resources online that would help me better explain "center of gravity."
I don't actually really know if short and thin people can jump higher--I'm just guessing since dancers and gymnasts are always small and light.
Thanks for your help!
:-)
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Re: Short People Jumping
Tue, January 24, 2006 - 10:39 PMI think that I might've thought of the answer that I was looking for.
A short and thin (low BMI) person will have a lower center of gravity and a lower surface area for her mass; therefore, there will be less air resistance and velocity will be higher.
Is that possible?
I still can't really describe how the low center of gravity improves the jumping height. Does a low center of gravity mean that gravity is pulling less on a smaller person?
Hmm...I guess so. -
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Re: Short People Jumping
Wed, January 25, 2006 - 4:30 PMSmaller people are generally stronger pound for pound than larger people. This 'relative strength' advantage is primarily due to shorter limbs which give a mechanical advantage. At some point it is not advantageous to be any smaller. Where this point is is hard to say. Looking at the average height of high jump champions might help, but those records are based on absolute height jumped, not relative height. Training methodology has a huge impact. Someone who regularly does explosive training and pylometrics will probably be a better jumper.
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