## A 67.2 kg Falling Skydiver Opens His Parachute and Instantly…
When a skydiver jumps out of an airplane, they are in freefall until they open their parachute. During freefall, the skydiver accelerates downward due to gravity. The acceleration due to gravity is 9.8 m/s^2.
When the skydiver opens their parachute, the air resistance acting on them increases. This air resistance slows down the skydiver’s downward acceleration. The magnitude of the air resistance depends on the speed of the skydiver and the size and shape of the parachute.
### What happens when a skydiver opens their parachute?
When a skydiver opens their parachute, several things happen:
1. The skydiver’s speed decreases. The air resistance acting on the skydiver slows them down. The amount that the skydiver’s speed decreases depends on the magnitude of the air resistance.
2. The skydiver’s acceleration decreases. As the skydiver’s speed decreases, their acceleration also decreases. The acceleration of the skydiver eventually reaches zero when they reach a constant speed.
3. The skydiver begins to rise. Once the skydiver’s acceleration reaches zero, they begin to rise. The skydiver will continue to rise until they reach a certain height, called the maximum height. The maximum height that the skydiver reaches depends on the size and shape of the parachute.
### How long does it take a skydiver to open their parachute?
The time it takes for a skydiver to open their parachute depends on several factors, including:
The type of parachute
The altitude at which the parachute is opened
The speed of the skydiver
For example, a skydiver may open their parachute after 5 seconds of freefall if they are at an altitude of 10,000 feet. However, the same skydiver may open their parachute after 10 seconds of freefall if they are at an altitude of 15,000 feet.
### What is the maximum height that a skydiver can reach?
The maximum height that a skydiver can reach depends on several factors, including:
The size and shape of the parachute
The weight of the skydiver
The altitude at which the parachute is opened
For example, a skydiver with a large, square parachute may reach a maximum height of 10,000 feet. However, a skydiver with a small, round parachute may only reach a maximum height of 5,000 feet.
### What is the average speed of a skydiver?
The average speed of a skydiver depends on several factors, including:
The altitude at which the parachute is opened
The size and shape of the parachute
The weight of the skydiver
For example, a skydiver may average 100 mph if they open their parachute at an altitude of 10,000 feet. However, the same skydiver may average 75 mph if they open their parachute at an altitude of 15,000 feet.
### How do I prepare to jump with a parachute?
If you are interested in skydiving, there are several things you need to do to prepare:
1. Find a reputable skydiving company. There are many skydiving companies out there, so it is important to do your research and find a company that is reputable and experienced.
2. Take a skydiving course. Skydiving is a serious activity, so it is important to take a course to learn the basics of the sport. A course will teach you how to pack a parachute, how to jump out of an airplane, and how to land safely.
3. Get in shape. Skydiving is a physical activity, so it is important to be in good physical shape before you jump. You should be able to run, jump, and climb without getting too tired.
4. Have fun! Skydiving is an amazing experience, so make sure you enjoy it!
### Conclusion
Skydiving is a great way to experience the thrill of flying. However, it is important to remember that skydiving is a serious activity. If you are not properly prepared, you could get seriously injured or killed. If you are thinking about skydiving, make sure you do your research and find a reputable company to jump with.