Two skydivers of different masses jump from a plane. In three to five sentences, explain how their falls compare, including the effects of gravity, mass, and air resistance.(4 points)
1 answer
The skydiver with a larger mass will experience a greater gravitational force pulling them towards the ground compared to the skydiver with a smaller mass. This means the heavier skydiver will fall faster initially. However, both skydivers will eventually reach a terminal velocity where the force of air resistance pushing against them equals the force of gravity pulling them down. At this point, both skydivers will fall at the same constant speed. Overall, the main differences in their falls will be observed during the initial stages before they reach terminal velocity.