Question

The terminal velocity of a parachutist is directly proportional to the square root of their weight. A 160-pound parachutist attains a terminal velocity of 9 mph. What is the terminal velocity of a parachutist weighing 240 pounds?

A. 11.0 mph
B. 14.1 mph
C. 21.8 mph
D. 42.6 mph

Answer 1

The terminal velocity of a parachutist weighing 240 pounds is approximately 13.5 mph.

Step-by-step explanation:

The terminal velocity of a parachutist is directly proportional to the square root of their weight. Let's first find the proportionality constant by using the given information:

For a 160-pound parachutist, the terminal velocity is 9 mph.

Using the formula for terminal velocity, we can set up the following proportion:

(Weight of the 160-pound parachutist)/(Terminal velocity of the 160-pound parachutist) = (Weight of the 240-pound parachutist)/(Terminal velocity of the 240-pound parachutist).

Plugging in the values, we have:

(160)/(9) = (240)/(x), where x is the terminal velocity of the 240-pound parachutist.

Cross multiplying and solving for x gives us:

x = (240 * 9)/160 = 13.5 mph.

Therefore, the terminal velocity of a parachutist weighing 240 pounds is approximately 13.5 mph.