A flea jumps straight up to a maximum height of 0.500 m . What is its initial velocity v0 as it leaves the ground? Express your answer in meters per second to three significant figures.

Explanation:

Using the equation of motion to get the initial velocity as it leaves the ground. According to the equation of motion;

v² = v0²+2as where;

v is the final velocity

v0 is the initial velocity

a is the acceleration due to gravity

s is the height.

At the maximum height, the final velocity v = 0m/s

Given s = 0.500m and a = g = -9.81m/s² (acceleration due to gravity is negative due t the upward movement of the flea)

0² = v0² - 2(9.81)(0.500)

0 =  v0² - 9.81

- v0² = -9.81

v0 = √9.81

v0 = 3.13m/s

Hence the initial velocity v0 of the flea as it leaves the ground is 3.13m/s (to three significant figures)