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.