A skydiver opens a parachute. The terminal velocity
Correct answer: A. falls, because the larger area increases the drag at a given speed
- A. falls, because the larger area increases the drag at a given speed
- B. rises, because the parachute adds weight
- C. is unchanged
- D. becomes zero immediately
Explanation
Opening the canopy multiplies the effective area and therefore the drag, so the forces balance again at a much lower speed and the diver decelerates towards the new terminal velocity. The weight is essentially unchanged, so it is the drag side of the balance that has altered. The speed never reaches zero, which is why a landing roll is still needed.
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About Terminal Velocity
Terminal velocity is the constant speed reached when gravitational force is balanced by fluid resistance. The topic covers drag, buoyant force, the conditions for zero acceleration, and how viscosity, object size, shape and density affect the limiting speed, with a distinction between free fall before and after terminal velocity.
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