Beyond velocity and acceleration: jerk, snap and higher derivatives
Top Cited Papers
Open Access
- 13 October 2016
- journal article
- Published by IOP Publishing in European Journal of Physics
- Vol. 37 (6), 065008
- https://doi.org/10.1088/0143-0807/37/6/065008
Abstract
The higher derivatives of motion are rarely discussed in the teaching of classical mechanics of rigid bodies; nevertheless, we experience the effect not only of acceleration, but also of jerk and snap. In this paper we will discuss the third and higher order derivatives of displacement with respect to time, using the trampolines and theme park roller coasters to illustrate this concept. We will also discuss the effects on the human body of different types of acceleration, jerk, snap and higher derivatives, and how they can be used in physics education to further enhance the learning and thus the understanding of classical mechanics concepts.Keywords
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