Question

A skydiver took 5 seconds to drop 400 feet. What is the rate, in feet per second, at which the skydiver descended?

A. 50 feet per second
B. 100 feet per second
C. 200 feet per second
D. 80 feet per second

Answer 1

The rate at which the skydiver descended is found by dividing the total distance fallen (400 feet) by the total time taken (5 seconds), resulting in a descent rate of 80 feet per second.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question seeks to find the rate of descent of a skydiver who falls 400 feet in 5 seconds. To determine this rate, we need to divide the total distance fallen by the total time taken. The rate of descent (velocity) can be calculated using the formula: velocity = distance / time.

In this case, the skydiver fell 400 feet in 5 seconds. Therefore, the rate at which the skydiver descended is:

Rate of descent = 400 feet / 5 seconds = 80 feet per second.

Thus, the correct answer is D. 80 feet per second.