Place a thin plank of wood inclined against a staircase. The plank will not break if you stand on it. But it will break into two pieces if you jump upon it even from a height of 6 inches in both cases, the applied weight is the same.
How does jumping cause the plank to break?
This phenomenon was studied in great detail by structural engineers to protect buildings. bridges, and equipment from impact loading’ – something that happens when you jump on the plank.
When you jump. your body acquires a certain amount of kinetic energy, in addition to its potential energy. The sum of these two is the net energy that is applied to the plank. It is not able to absorb it fully. So it breaks.
Picture Credit : Google
