Forces - Terminal Velocity

Forces - Terminal Velocity

1. Terminal Velocity

   • At the start of his jump the air resistance is small, so he accelerates downwards.
     • As his speed increases his air resistance will increase
       • Eventually the air resistance will be enough to balance the sky divers weight. At this point the forces are balanced so his speed becomes constant
         • Terminal VELOCITY
           • When the parachute is opened the air resistance suddenly increases, causing him to start slowing down
             • Because he is slowing down his air resistance will decrease again until it balances his weight. The skydiver has now reached a new lower terminal velocity