Name: Another Example of a Distance-time Graph
Uploaded: 2019-07-19
Duration: 3 min 13 s
Description: You know that speed is the rate of change of distance. This might make you wonder if an object’s speed can be found from its distance-time graph. The answer...

Question

Describe and explain the motion of a skydiver when they jump from the aircraft, when they are opening their parachute, and when they are stationary on the ground. You might find it helpful to sketch a speed—time graph before you begin to write your answer.

Accepted Answer

There is no air resistance acting upwards, but there is a force acting downwards as a result. The skydiver speeds up as he approaches the earth. The skydiver's weight remains constant as they gain speed, while the air resistance increases. The skydiver reaches terminal velocity with no consequent force. The air resistance increases as the parachute expands. The skydiver slows down until he reaches a new, lower terminal velocity. A balance of forces is achieved when the force of air resistance equals the force of gravity, and the skydiver no longer accelerates. The skydiver is said to have reached his or her maximum speed.

David Sang and Darrell Hamilton Solutions for Chapter: Describing Motion, Exercise 8: Exercise 2.7

David Sang Physics Solutions for Exercise - David Sang and Darrell Hamilton Solutions for Chapter: Describing Motion, Exercise 8: Exercise 2.7

Questions from David Sang and Darrell Hamilton Solutions for Chapter: Describing Motion, Exercise 8: Exercise 2.7 with Hints & Solutions

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