Skydiver's Velocity Approximation

What factors affect a skydiver's terminal velocity?

Is terminal velocity different for a heavier skydiver compared to a lighter one?

Factors affecting a skydiver's terminal velocity:

Terminal velocity is influenced by a skydiver's weight, frontal area, and skydiving position. Heavier skydivers typically have a higher terminal velocity due to their weight, but they also experience greater air resistance because of their larger frontal area.

Terminal velocity varies based on the skydiver's weight and body position. For example, a head-first position results in a higher terminal velocity compared to a spread-eagle position due to the reduced frontal area.

Understanding Skydiver's Terminal Velocity

When a skydiver jumps from a plane, several forces come into play, affecting their fall speed. The velocity formula provided gives an approximation of how a 188-pound skydiver's speed changes over time.

In a gravity-free environment, the skydiver would continue to accelerate indefinitely. However, factors like gravity and air resistance intervene, leading to a balance point known as terminal velocity. This is the maximum constant speed the skydiver reaches during free fall.

A heavier skydiver experiences a higher terminal velocity due to their weight, but they also face increased air resistance because of their larger frontal area. Skydiving position also plays a role in terminal velocity, as a streamlined position like head-first leads to a higher terminal velocity compared to a less aerodynamic position like spread-eagle.

By understanding the concept of terminal velocity and the factors influencing it, we can appreciate the complex interplay of forces during a skydiver's descent.