What is the acceleration (in meters/second^2) of a freely falling 73.0 kg sky-diver, if air resistance exerts a force of 273 N?
To determine the acceleration of the skydiver, we need to use Newton's second law of motion which states that the acceleration of an object is equal to the net force acting on it divided by its mass.
The net force acting on the skydiver is the force due to gravity minus the force due to air resistance.
1. The force due to gravity can be calculated using the formula:
Force due to gravity = mass × acceleration due to gravity
The acceleration due to gravity on Earth is approximately 9.8 m/s².
So, the force due to gravity = mass × 9.8 m/s²
Plugging in the given mass of the skydiver (73.0 kg):
Force due to gravity = 73.0 kg × 9.8 m/s²
2. The force due to air resistance is given as 273 N. However, this force acts in the opposite direction of the force due to gravity.
So, the force due to air resistance = -273 N
3. Now, we can calculate the net force acting on the skydiver:
Net force = Force due to gravity + Force due to air resistance
Net force = (73.0 kg × 9.8 m/s²) + (-273 N)
4. Finally, we can calculate the acceleration of the skydiver using Newton's second law:
Acceleration = Net force / Mass
Plugging in the values:
Acceleration = Net force / 73.0 kg
Substitute the previously calculated values for the net force:
Acceleration = [(73.0 kg × 9.8 m/s²) + (-273 N)] / 73.0 kg
By performing the calculation, you will find the acceleration of the skydiver.