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The terminal velocity of a person falling in air depends upon the weight and the area of the person facing the fluid. Find the terminal velocity (in meters per second and kilometers per hour) of an 80.0-kg skydiver falling in a headfirst position with a cross-section area facing the fluid of 0.140 , {m}².

A. 35.0 , {m/s}, 126 , {km/h}
B. 42.0 , {m/s}, 151 , {km/h}
C. 49.0 , {m/s}, 176 , {km/h}
D. 56.0 , {m/s}, 201 , {km/h}

User Nimir
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

To find the terminal velocity of a skydiver falling in a headfirst position, we can use the formula v = sqrt((2mg) / (ρAC)). Using the given values, the terminal velocity is approximately 49.0 m/s or 176 km/h.

Step-by-step explanation:

The terminal velocity of a person falling in air depends on their weight and the area of their body facing the fluid. To find the terminal velocity, we can use the formula:

v = sqrt((2mg) / (ρAC))

Where:

  • v is the terminal velocity
  • m is the mass of the skydiver (in kg)
  • g is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.8 m/s²)
  • ρ is the density of the fluid (ρ = 1.2 kg/m³ for air)
  • A is the cross-sectional area facing the fluid (in m²)
  • C is the drag coefficient (assumed to be 0.5 for a streamlined shape)

Using the given values, we can calculate the terminal velocity:

v = sqrt((2 * 80.0 * 9.8) / (1.2 * 0.140 * 0.5))

Simplifying this equation gives us a terminal velocity of approximately 49.0 m/s or 176 km/h.

User Antonijn
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