Edexcel AS Physics

1.2.3 Drag Forces

Drag Forces Questions

1) Draw a free-body diagram showing the forces acting on a skydiver at the instant
they jump from a plane.
2) Describe and explain how the resultant force on a skydiver varies from the
moment they jump from a plane.

Edexcel AS Physics

1.2.3 Drag Forces

Drag Forces Answers

1)

weight

2) At first the only vertical force acting on the skydiver is their weight. As
the skydiver gains speed the air resistance increases until this drag force
is equal to the weight and the skydiver reaches a constant terminal
velocity. When the parachute is opened the air resistance increases
hugely so there is a net force upwards. This slows the skydiver down
until once again the air resistance balances the skydivers weight and the
skydiver reaches a new, slower terminal velocity.