## How Many Times Will a Skydiver Reach Terminal Velocity?
When a skydiver jumps out of an airplane, they accelerate due to gravity until they reach a speed at which the force of gravity is equal to the force of air resistance. This speed is called terminal velocity.
The terminal velocity of a skydiver depends on several factors, including their body weight, shape, and the air density. For an average-sized skydiver, terminal velocity is about 120 mph (193 km/h).
### How Long Does It Take to Reach Terminal Velocity?
It takes about 10-15 seconds for a skydiver to reach terminal velocity. During this time, they accelerate at a rate of about 32 feet per second per second (9.8 m/s^2).
### How Many Times Will a Skydiver Reach Terminal Velocity?
A skydiver will reach terminal velocity twice during a typical skydive:
1. On the way down: The skydiver will accelerate due to gravity until they reach terminal velocity.
2. On the way up: After the skydiver opens their parachute, they will decelerate due to air resistance until they reach terminal velocity.
### Factors Affecting Terminal Velocity
The following factors can affect a skydiver’s terminal velocity:
Body weight: Heavier skydivers have a higher terminal velocity than lighter skydivers.
Body shape: Skydivers who are more streamlined have a lower terminal velocity than skydivers who are less streamlined.
Air density: The density of the air affects the amount of air resistance that a skydiver experiences. Terminal velocity is higher in less dense air, such as at high altitudes.
### Other Interesting Facts About Terminal Velocity
Terminal velocity is not a constant speed. It actually varies slightly depending on the skydiver’s altitude and air density.
The highest terminal velocity ever recorded was 614 mph (988 km/h), achieved by Felix Baumgartner during his Red Bull Stratos jump in 2012.
Terminal velocity is not the same as freefall speed. Freefall speed is the speed at which a skydiver is falling before they reach terminal velocity.
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