Question

A skydiver jumps from a plane and falls for 5 seconds before reaching his terminal velocity. During this 5 seconds interval, describe his acceleration before reaching terminal velocity?

Answer 1

His acceleration during the first five seconds before reaching terminal velocity = (W - D)/m

Step-by-step explanation:

The terminal velocity is the maximum steady velocity attained by a body falling freely with increasing velocity from rest in a fluid, such as air or water

The net force, F acting on the body falling through the fluid is given as follows;

F = Weight force, W, from gravity - Drag force, D, from the fluid

F = W - D

Given that F = Mass, m × Acceleration, a, we have;

F = m × a

The acceleration, a = F/m = (W - D)/m

His acceleration during the first five seconds before reaching terminal velocity = (W - D)/m.