Arrange the following stages of a skydiver's jump in chronological order, starting from the moment they step out of a hovering helicopter until just before they touch the ground.
- 1The skydiver experiences maximum downward acceleration, with gravity being the only significant acting force.
- 2Downward velocity increases, causing air resistance to build up and the net downward acceleration to decrease.
- 3Air resistance perfectly balances the force of gravity, resulting in zero acceleration and a constant falling speed.
- 4The parachute is deployed, drastically increasing air resistance and creating a net upward force that slows the descent.
- 5The forces of gravity and air resistance balance once again, establishing a new, slower constant falling speed.
Answer
The correct sequence follows the progression of forces: maximum initial acceleration, decreasing acceleration as drag builds, first terminal velocity, rapid deceleration upon parachute deployment, and finally a second, slower terminal velocity.
A falling object initially accelerates under gravity alone. As its velocity increases, air resistance grows until it perfectly opposes gravity, resulting in a constant terminal velocity. Deploying a parachute drastically increases the surface area, creating a temporary net upward force that slows the fall until a new, slower terminal velocity is established for a safe landing.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
The relationship between gravity, air resistance, and terminal velocity during free fall.