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

4987 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

(A-level but box won't let me change it from GCSE) A particle of charge q and initial speed v is stopped by a potential difference V in distance d and time t. What was its initial momentum?


Compare the advantages and disadvantages of the two methods of generating electricity (figure 1 in answer):


Describe one method by which the distance to stars from Earth is measured, and one modern improvement to this method which increases its accuracy.


A 2 kW electric fire is switched on for 30 minutes. How many Units of electricity does it use?


We're here to help

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

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences