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.

Answered by Teodor N. Physics tutor

2288 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

David left his basketball outside overnight. At 1am the volume of air within the ball was 1.2m^3 and the outdoor temperature was 5 degrees Celsius. At 3am the temperature was -7 degrees Celsius. What is the volume of air inside the ball at 3am?


Describe how a crumple zone on a car reduces injury to the driver in a crash.


What is the law of conservation of energy?


How do fossil fuel powered power stations and solar powered power stations generates electricity?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy