GCSE Physics Revision "Forces Acting on a Skydiver" (Triple)

Recent questions

• What is terminal velocity in physics?

  Terminal velocity is the constant speed an object reaches when the force of gravity pulling it downwards is balanced by the air resistance pushing upwards. This balance of forces means that the object no longer accelerates and falls at a steady rate. For example, when a skydiver jumps from a plane, they initially accelerate downwards due to gravity. As their speed increases, the air resistance also increases until it equals the gravitational force, resulting in terminal velocity. This concept is crucial in understanding free fall and the dynamics of falling objects in a fluid medium like air.

• How does a parachute work?

  A parachute works by increasing air resistance, which slows down a falling object. When a skydiver deploys a parachute, the large surface area of the parachute catches air, creating significant drag. This drag force becomes greater than the weight of the skydiver, resulting in an upward force that decelerates the fall. As the skydiver slows down, the air resistance decreases until it balances the weight again, leading to a new, lower terminal velocity that is safe for landing. This mechanism is essential for ensuring a controlled descent and preventing injury upon landing.

• What forces act on a skydiver?

  The primary forces acting on a skydiver are gravity and air resistance. Gravity pulls the skydiver downwards with a force equal to their weight, while air resistance opposes this motion as the skydiver accelerates. Initially, the force of gravity is greater than air resistance, causing the skydiver to accelerate downwards. As the skydiver's speed increases, air resistance also increases until it equals the gravitational force, resulting in terminal velocity. Understanding these forces is vital for comprehending the dynamics of skydiving and the importance of parachute deployment for a safe landing.

• What happens when a skydiver opens their parachute?

  When a skydiver opens their parachute, the parachute's increased surface area significantly raises air resistance. This new drag force exceeds the weight of the skydiver, creating an upward resultant force that causes the skydiver to decelerate. As the skydiver's velocity decreases, the air resistance also diminishes until it balances the weight again, resulting in a new, lower terminal velocity. This process is crucial for ensuring a safe descent, as it allows the skydiver to slow down significantly before landing, reducing the risk of injury from a high-impact fall.

• Why is terminal velocity important for skydivers?

  Terminal velocity is important for skydivers because it determines the maximum speed they will reach during free fall. Understanding terminal velocity helps skydivers anticipate their fall and ensures they can deploy their parachute at the right time to avoid a dangerous impact with the ground. When a skydiver reaches terminal velocity, the forces of gravity and air resistance are balanced, allowing for a stable descent. This knowledge is essential for safety, as it informs skydivers about the conditions they will experience during their jump and the importance of parachute deployment for a controlled landing.