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)

Answer 1

When two skydivers of different masses jump from a plane, they both experience the same gravitational acceleration, approximately 9.81 m/s², regardless of their mass. However, their terminal velocities will differ due to air resistance; the heavier skydiver will reach a higher terminal velocity than the lighter one. This is because air resistance increases with velocity and acts to oppose the force of gravity; the heavier skydiver has a greater weight, which allows them to overcome air resistance more effectively. Ultimately, both skydivers will fall at the same rate until they reach their respective terminal velocities, at which point their falls will stabilize, with the heavier skydiver descending faster than the lighter one.