Terminal Velocity
Consider a skydiver:
1) At the start of his jump the air
resistance is _______ so he
_______ downwards.
2) As his speed increases his air
resistance will _______
3) Eventually the air resistance will be
big enough to _______ the
skydiver’s weight. At this point
the forces are balanced so his
speed becomes ________ - this
is called TERMINAL VELOCITY
Terminal Velocity
Consider a skydiver:
4) When he opens his parachute the
air resistance suddenly
________, causing him to start
_____ ____.
5) Because he is slowing down his air
resistance will _______ again
until it balances his
_________. The skydiver has
now reached a new, lower
________ _______.
Terminal Velocity
Consider a skydiver:
1) At the start of his jump the air
resistance is _______ so he
_______ downwards.
2) As his speed increases his air
resistance will _______
3) Eventually the air resistance will be
big enough to _______ the
skydiver’s weight. At this point
the forces are balanced so his
speed becomes ________ - this
is called TERMINAL VELOCITY
Terminal Velocity
Consider a skydiver:
4) When he opens his parachute the
air resistance suddenly
________, causing him to start
_____ ____.
5) Because he is slowing down his air
resistance will _______ again
until it balances his
_________. The skydiver has
now reached a new, lower
________ _______.
1. For the velocity versus time graph below complete the blank with suitable word
from the word bank provided
1. Less acceleration as air
resistance increases.
2. Speed increases.
3. Terminal velocity reached
before opening parachute.
4. Terminal velocity reached
after opening parachute.
5. Parachute opens, diver slows
down.
6. Diver hits the ground.
2. For the skydiver journey shown below, answer the following questions.
i. What is the maximum constant velocity of the diver?
ii. What do we call this maximum velocity?
iii. What distance does the skydiver fall at a constant speed?
iv. Explain why he slows down in terms of balanced forces?
v. What is the rate of deceleration of the diver after opening his
parachute?