Question

Michael jordan's vertical leap is reported to be 47.2 inches. what is his takeoff speed? give your answer in meters per second

Answer 1

From the top of his leap, d = 16t^2  to reach the ground, 47.2 = 16t^2
 so t = 1.718 seconds to the ground.  This would be his time to reach that height, so d = 1.718xVo, where Vo is his takeoff speed.
Vo = 27.48 inches/second or 0 .698 m/sec