Final answer:
The skydiver was initially moving at a speed of about 16.8 m/s in the upward direction.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the initial velocity of the skydiver, we can use the equations of motion. The skydiver jumped from a height of 310 m and landed 176 m away. We can assume that the only force acting on the skydiver is gravity, which would cause him to accelerate downward.
Using the equation h = (1/2)gt^2, where h is the height, g is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.8 m/s^2), and t is the time, we can solve for t:
310 = (1/2)(9.8)t^2
t^2 = 310/(0.5 * 9.8) = 63.265
t = sqrt(63.265) = 7.95 s
Now, we can use the equation s = ut + (1/2)gt^2, where s is the distance, u is the initial velocity, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and t is the time to solve for u:
176 = u * 7.95 + (1/2)(9.8)(7.95)^2
176 = u * 7.95 + 0.5 * 9.8 * 63.025
176 = u * 7.95 + 309.54
176 - 309.54 = u * 7.95
-133.54 = u * 7.95
u = -133.54/7.95
u = -16.8 m/s
The skydiver was initially moving at a speed of about 16.8 m/s in the upward direction.