A skydiver of mass 70 kg jumps from an aircraft over Lake Taupō and reaches terminal velocity. What is the magnitude of the air resistance force acting on the skydiver (take g = 10 N/kg)?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. 700 N
- Step 1: Terminal velocity is reached when upward air resistance equals downward weight force, resulting in zero net force and zero acceleration. Step 2. Weight force F_g = mg = 70 kg 10 N/kg = 700 N. Thus, air resistance F_drag = 700 N upwards. Answer: 700 N. Why not the others:* If air resistance were 0 N, the skydiver would continue accelerating.
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