How does a skydiver reach terminal velocity?

At the start of the jump, the skydiver starts accelerating downwards due to his weight (force of gravity). There is a resultant force downwards as the weight is larger than the air resistance (weight>air resistance). As the skydiver accelerates and increases her speed, the air resistance on the skydiver increases. At terminal velocity, the air resistance has become so large that it equals the weight of the skydiver (weight=air resistance). This is because there is no resultant force on the skydiver - the weight and air resistance cancel each other out, therefore, the skydiver is no longer accelerating. This means that it has reached terminal velocity and is not increasing/decreasing her speed anymore.

TN
Answered by Teodor N. Physics tutor

5132 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Using standard formulae, derive an expression for the final speed of a falling object in terms of its change in height. Assume zero air resistance or other resistive forces.


What is the difference between a scalar and a vector quantity?


If a motor uses 500J to raise a box of 25N, how high has the box been lifted?


What is thermionic emission?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning