In this problem, you will apply kinematic equations to a jumping flea. take the magnitude of free-fall acceleration to be 9.80m/s2 . ignore air resistance. a flea jumps straight up to a maximum height of 0.460m . what is its initial velocity v0 as it leaves the ground?

As the flea jumps and leaves the ground, its speed is 'V₀'.

When the flea reaches its maximum height, its speed is zero.
(That's why it doesn't go any higher than that.)

Its average speed all the way up is

                      (1/2) (V₀ + 0)  =  V₀ / 2 .

  The time it takes for the original speed to dribble down to zero is

                                    V₀/g  =  V₀/9.8 .

Distance covered = (Average speed) x (time in motion)

              0.46 m  =               (V₀/2)   x   (V₀/9.8) 

               0.46  =    V₀² / 19.6

                   V₀²  =  (0.46 x 19.6)  =  9.016

                   V₀  =  √9.016  =  3 m/s  (rounded)