Chapter 3.3, Problem 22R

To determine

To explain: The effect of inertia, gravity, and air resistance on skydivers as they fall, opens their parachutes, and reaches terminal velocity.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

The inertia is the property of an object that resists any change in the state of its rest or motion. The gravity is the effect by which the Earth pulls an object towards the surface of the earth. The air resistance is the property that diminishes the motion of an object.

Due to gravity, the sky diver falls towards the surface of the Earth. The effect of gravity remains constant. The skydiver is initially at rest, when it falls, then it comes in motion from rest, but due to inertia of skydiver, it opposes any change in the motion. The state of the skydiver changes due to gravity and thus speed will increase. The surrounding air exerts a force on the skydiver opposite to the motion of the skydiver. This force is called air resistance. It depends on the area of the skydiver. When the weight of the skydiver become equal to the air resistance, then the skydiver falls with a constant velocity, called terminal velocity.

The parachute provides more force for air resistance and balances the weight of the skydiver.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the sky driver first accelerates down due to the inertia and gravitational force. Then it falls at the terminal velocity and finally constant velocity when the parachute is opened.