## What is Terminal Speed When a Skydiver Has Reached?
Terminal speed is the constant speed that a skydiver reaches when the force of gravity pulling them down is equal to the force of air resistance pushing them up. This occurs when the skydiver’s velocity is no longer increasing or decreasing.
The terminal speed of a skydiver depends on a number of factors, including:
Weight: Heavier skydivers have a higher terminal speed than lighter skydivers.
Surface area: Skydivers with a larger surface area have a higher terminal speed than skydivers with a smaller surface area.
Air density: The density of the air affects the terminal speed of a skydiver. Skydivers who jump in denser air have a lower terminal speed than skydivers who jump in less dense air.
The average terminal speed of a skydiver is around 120 mph (193 km/h). However, some skydivers can reach speeds of up to 150 mph (241 km/h).
## How to Calculate Terminal Speed
The terminal speed of a skydiver can be calculated using the following formula:
“`
Vt = √(2mg/ρACd)
“`
where:
Vt is the terminal speed
m is the skydiver’s mass
g is the acceleration due to gravity
ρ is the density of the air
A is the skydiver’s surface area
Cd is the drag coefficient
## Factors That Affect Terminal Speed
In addition to the factors listed above, there are a number of other factors that can affect the terminal speed of a skydiver, including:
Body position: Skydivers who tuck their bodies into a streamlined position have a higher terminal speed than skydivers who spread their bodies out into a more drag-inducing position.
Clothing: Skydivers who wear loose clothing have a higher terminal speed than skydivers who wear tight clothing.
Equipment: Skydivers who carry a lot of equipment have a higher terminal speed than skydivers who carry less equipment.
## How to Control Terminal Speed
Skydivers can control their terminal speed by changing their body position and adjusting their equipment. For example, a skydiver can tuck their body into a streamlined position to increase their terminal speed, or they can spread their body out into a more drag-inducing position to decrease their terminal speed.
## Uses of Terminal Speed
Terminal speed is an important factor for skydivers to consider because it can affect their safety and performance. Skydivers who reach a high terminal speed can be more easily injured if they land on a hard surface. Additionally, skydivers who reach a low terminal speed may not be able to cover as much ground as skydivers who reach a higher terminal speed.
Terminal speed is also used by skydivers to perform stunts and tricks. For example, some skydivers will try to “surf” on their parachutes by reaching a terminal speed that matches the speed of the wind.
## Conclusion
Terminal speed is an important factor for skydivers to consider because it can affect their safety and performance. By understanding the factors that affect terminal speed, skydivers can better control their descent and perform stunts and tricks safely.
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