Final answer:
The shape of the acceleration vs time graph for a falling skydiver starts with a high constant value at the beginning and then flattens as terminal velocity is reached. Energy transformation during a skydive involves potential energy converting to kinetic energy. Terminal velocity is affected by body position and significantly decreases once the parachute opens.
Step-by-step explanation:
A skydiver's jump from an airplane to the ground is governed by the principles of physics, specifically mechanics. When a skydiver jumps from an airplane and begins to fall towards the ground, they are first accelerated downwards due to the force of gravity. As they accelerate, air resistance begins to increase until it is nearly equal to the gravitational force, at which point the skydiver reaches a constant speed known as terminal velocity. Part A asks to describe the shape of the graph of the magnitude of acceleration versus time for a falling skydiver. Initially, the acceleration is that of gravity (9.81 m/s²), but as air resistance increases, the acceleration decreases. Once terminal velocity is reached, the acceleration becomes nearly zero, flattening the graph.
In terms of energy transformation, a skydiver's potential energy is converted into kinetic energy as they fall. Before the parachute opens, the skydiver's potential energy is at its maximum and starts decreasing while the kinetic energy increases due to acceleration. After opening the parachute, the speed and kinetic energy decrease significantly, while air resistance greatly increases.
Terminal velocities for a skydiver can vary depending on their position during the free fall. A 75 kg skydiver achieves a maximum terminal velocity of about 350 km/h in a headfirst position, while in a spread-eagle position it may decrease to about 200 km/h. Terminal velocity greatly decreases after the parachute opens.