TERMINAL VELOCITY

WHAt IS TERMINAL VELOCUTY

• Air resistance causes friction which is drag
• Drag force is always opposite of direction of velocity
• To achieve terminal velocity, forces must be equal
• Drag coefficient depends on surface area

TERMINAL VELOCITY IN SKYDIVING

• Acceleration
• Achieve terminal velocity
• Chute opens, rapid deceleration
• Terminal velocity again
• Lands on ground

Stage 1

When the skydiver first jumps from the plane, they aren't going very fast, the force of weight is larger than air resistance

Stage 2

The skydiver then accelerates to a point where the force of air resistance is the same as the force of weight.

Stage 3

The chute opens so there is more surface area available for drag to happen, resulting in a decrease of velocity

Stage 4

The chute opens and the resulting force of drag has created enough air resistance to counter the force of the weight of the skydiver.