An athlete lands on a cushion bed after a long jump because it increases the time taken for them to come to a stop, significantly reducing the impact force on their body and minimizing the risk of injury upon landing; essentially, the soft cushion absorbs the force over a longer period, making the landing safer.
Key points:
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Force and Time Relationship:According to Newton’s second law, force is directly proportional to the rate of change of momentum. By increasing the time taken to stop (landing on a cushion), the rate of change of momentum decreases, thereby reducing the force experienced by the athlete.
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Reduced Impact:A cushion bed deforms upon landing, allowing for a gradual deceleration instead of a sudden stop on a hard surface, which would put considerable stress on the joints and muscles.