After falling for 15.38 s a skydiver reaches terminal speed. If the skydiver is falling straight down, what is her acceleration?
same as the last question. At terminal speed which is constant velocity, no acceleration, the drag force up = the weight force ddown.
I am looking for an amount of pounds of air drag
or an amount of acceleration in pounds?
pounds of drag = weight = m g = mass in kg * 9.81 m/s^2 in Newtons
the acceleration is ZERO at terminal velocity.
There is no such thing as acceleration in pounds
the weight in pounds = the drag in pounds if at terminal velocity.
got it thanks!
To determine the acceleration of the skydiver, we need to understand the concept of terminal speed and use the equation for acceleration.
Terminal speed is the constant maximum speed reached by a falling object when the drag force (air resistance) on the object is equal to the gravitational force pulling the object down. At terminal speed, the net force on the object is zero.
The equation for acceleration can be rearranged as follows:
acceleration = change in velocity / time
Since the skydiver has reached terminal speed, her velocity is no longer changing, meaning her change in velocity is zero. Therefore, her acceleration at terminal speed is also zero.
Hence, the acceleration of the skydiver when falling at terminal speed is zero.