Question

Suppose that the resistive force of the air on a skydiver can be approximated by f=−bv². If the terminal velocity of a 50.0-kg skydiver is 60.0 m/s, what is the value of b?

a) 2.50 kg/m
b) 3.00 kg/m
c) 3.33 kg/m
d) 4.00 kg/m

Answer 1

The value of b is approximately 2.04 kg/m.

Step-by-step explanation:

To find the value of b, we will use the equation for terminal velocity, which is when the gravitational force equals the resistive force of the air. In this case, the resistive force is given by f = -bv². When the skydiver reaches terminal velocity, the net force is zero. So we have mg = -bv², where m is the mass of the skydiver and g is the acceleration due to gravity.

Substituting the given values, we have (50.0 kg)(9.8 m/s²) = -b(60.0 m/s)². Solving for b, we get b = 2.04 kg/m.

Therefore, the value of b is approximately 2.04 kg/m.