Question

A skydiver of mass m jumps from a hot air balloon and falls a distance d before reaching a terminal velocity of magnitude v . Assume that the magnitude of the acceleration due to gravity is g .

a. What is the work (Wd) done on the skydiver, over the distance , by the drag force of the air?
b. Find the power (P d) supplied by the drag force after the skydiver has reached terminal velocity v.

Answer 1

Step-by-step explanation:

work done by gravitational force during fall of distance d = mgd

work done by drag = w ( let )

mgd - w = 1/2 m v²

w = m g d - 1/2 m v²

so work done by drag force

= m g d - 1/2 m v²

b ) when terminal velocity is reached , drag force = mg

power supplied by drag force = force x velocity

= mg x v

P_d = mgv