Final answer:
The amount of energy lost to a dissipative drag force can be calculated using the formula: Energy lost = force × distance. In this case, the force is the dissipative drag force acting on the person, which is equal to the gravitational force on the person. Therefore, the correct answer is option (a) 8820 J.
Step-by-step explanation:
The amount of energy lost to a dissipative drag force can be calculated using the formula:
Energy lost = force × distance
In this case, the force is the dissipative drag force acting on the person. Since the person is falling at a constant speed, the dissipative drag force is equal to the gravitational force on the person, which can be calculated using the formula mass × acceleration due to gravity.
Therefore, the energy lost is:
Energy lost = (mass × acceleration due to gravity) × distance
Substituting the given values:
Energy lost = (60 kg × 9.8 m/s²) × 15 m = 8820 J
Therefore, the correct answer is option (a) 8820 J.