## Do Two Skydivers Fall Faster Than One?
The answer to this question is no. Two skydivers falling side-by-side will fall at the same speed as a single skydiver. This is because the force of gravity acting on each skydiver is the same, regardless of whether they are falling alone or with someone else.
Terminal Velocity
When an object falls through a fluid (such as air), it experiences a force of drag. This force opposes the object’s motion and slows it down. As the object falls, the force of drag increases until it reaches a point where it is equal to the force of gravity. At this point, the object’s speed becomes constant, and it is said to have reached its terminal velocity.
The terminal velocity of an object depends on its shape, size, and mass. For a skydiver, the terminal velocity is typically around 120 miles per hour.
Two Skydivers
When two skydivers fall side-by-side, they each experience the same force of gravity and the same force of drag. This means that they will each reach the same terminal velocity.
However, there is one factor that can affect the speed of two skydivers falling together. If the skydivers are holding hands or otherwise connected, they will create a larger surface area. This increased surface area will experience more drag, which will slow the skydivers down slightly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, two skydivers falling side-by-side will fall at the same speed as a single skydiver. This is because the force of gravity acting on each skydiver is the same, and the force of drag experienced by each skydiver is also the same.
### Factors that can affect the speed of a skydiver
In addition to the force of gravity and the force of drag, there are a number of other factors that can affect the speed of a skydiver. These include:
The skydiver’s body position. A skydiver who is falling headfirst will experience more drag than a skydiver who is falling feet first. This is because the skydiver’s head is a larger surface area than their feet.
The skydiver’s weight. A heavier skydiver will experience more drag than a lighter skydiver. This is because the force of gravity acting on the heavier skydiver is greater.
The air density. The air density is the mass of air per unit volume. The denser the air, the more drag a skydiver will experience. This is because there are more air molecules for the skydiver to collide with.
The wind speed. The wind speed can affect the speed of a skydiver in two ways. A headwind will slow a skydiver down, while a tailwind will speed a skydiver up.
### How to control your speed when skydiving
There are a number of techniques that skydivers can use to control their speed. These include:
Changing body position. A skydiver can increase their speed by arching their body and reducing their surface area. They can decrease their speed by spreading their arms and legs and increasing their surface area.
Using a drogue chute. A drogue chute is a small parachute that can be deployed to slow a skydiver down. Drogue chutes are typically used to slow down during the initial part of a skydive, before the skydiver reaches their terminal velocity.
Using a slider. A slider is a device that can be attached to the skydiver’s leg. When the slider is deployed, it creates drag and slows the skydiver down. Sliders are typically used to slow down for landing.
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