Question

A parachutist of mass 75 kg jumps from a plane at a height of 4 000 m above sea level.

The parachutist falls through a distance of 2 400 m during the first 60 seconds. Calculate the average speed of the parachutist during this time.

A. 20 ms⁻¹

B. 40 ms⁻¹

C. 67 ms⁻¹

D. 80 ms⁻¹

Answer 1

The average speed of the parachutist during the first 60 seconds is calculated by dividing the total distance fallen, which is 2,400 meters, by the total time taken, which is 60 seconds. This results in an average speed of 40 meters per second (m/s). So, the answer is B. 40 m/s.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question asks to calculate the average speed of a parachutist during a fall. First, let's define average speed. The average speed of an object is calculated by dividing the total distance traveled by the total time taken. In this case, the parachutist falls through a distance of 2,400 meters over a period of 60 seconds.

To find the average speed, we use the formula:

Average speed = Total distance / Total time

Now, plugging in our values we get:

Average speed = 2,400 meters / 60 seconds

Average speed =

40 meters per second

(m/s)

Therefore, the correct answer is B. 40 m/s.