Question
How does terminal velocity differ between a skydiver with and without a parachute and why?
Answers
GPT-4o mini
Terminal velocity is the maximum speed an object reaches when the force of gravity is balanced by the drag force acting against it. When comparing a skydiver with and without a parachute, there are significant differences in terminal velocity due to their respective positions and surface areas during free fall.
1. **Skydiver Without a Parachute**:
- **Surface Area**: A skydiver in a free-fall position (typically head-down or freefall position) presents a smaller frontal surface area to the direction of motion. This configuration reduces air resistance.
- **Terminal Velocity**: The terminal velocity for a skydiver in this position is approximately 53 m/s (about 120 mph). This speed can vary based on factors such as body position, weight, and altitude.
2. **Skydiver With a Parachute**:
- **Surface Area**: When a parachute is deployed, it significantly increases the surface area presented to the air. This creates a much larger drag force compared to a free-falling body.
- **Terminal Velocity**: As a result of this increased drag, a skydiver with an open parachute experiences a terminal velocity of only about 5 to 7 m/s (approximately 11 to 15 mph), which is much slower than the free-fall speed without the parachute.
### Summary of Differences:
- **Terminal Velocity Without Parachute**: ~53 m/s (120 mph)
- **Terminal Velocity With Parachute**: ~5 to 7 m/s (11 to 15 mph)
### Why the Difference?
The difference in terminal velocity is primarily due to the change in drag force caused by differences in surface area. A parachute greatly increases the drag force, allowing the skydiver to slow down significantly and descend at a safer speed. In contrast, without the parachute, the skydiver's body experiences less air resistance, resulting in a higher terminal velocity.
This distinction is essential for safe skydiving practices, where parachutes are deployed to ensure a controlled and safe landing.
1. **Skydiver Without a Parachute**:
- **Surface Area**: A skydiver in a free-fall position (typically head-down or freefall position) presents a smaller frontal surface area to the direction of motion. This configuration reduces air resistance.
- **Terminal Velocity**: The terminal velocity for a skydiver in this position is approximately 53 m/s (about 120 mph). This speed can vary based on factors such as body position, weight, and altitude.
2. **Skydiver With a Parachute**:
- **Surface Area**: When a parachute is deployed, it significantly increases the surface area presented to the air. This creates a much larger drag force compared to a free-falling body.
- **Terminal Velocity**: As a result of this increased drag, a skydiver with an open parachute experiences a terminal velocity of only about 5 to 7 m/s (approximately 11 to 15 mph), which is much slower than the free-fall speed without the parachute.
### Summary of Differences:
- **Terminal Velocity Without Parachute**: ~53 m/s (120 mph)
- **Terminal Velocity With Parachute**: ~5 to 7 m/s (11 to 15 mph)
### Why the Difference?
The difference in terminal velocity is primarily due to the change in drag force caused by differences in surface area. A parachute greatly increases the drag force, allowing the skydiver to slow down significantly and descend at a safer speed. In contrast, without the parachute, the skydiver's body experiences less air resistance, resulting in a higher terminal velocity.
This distinction is essential for safe skydiving practices, where parachutes are deployed to ensure a controlled and safe landing.