Math Problem Statement

An 64.0 kg skydiver has a cross sectional area of .71m2. The density of the air is 1.21 kg/m3 and drag coefficient of the skydiver is 1.0. What is the skydiver's terminal velocity?

Question 3 options:

38 m/s

34 m/s

44 m/s

41 m/s

Solution

To find the terminal velocity of the skydiver, we can use the following formula for terminal velocity vtv_t:

vt=2mgρACdv_t = \sqrt{\frac{2mg}{\rho A C_d}}

Where:

  • mm = mass of the skydiver = 64.0 kg
  • gg = acceleration due to gravity = 9.81 m/s²
  • ρ\rho = air density = 1.21 kg/m³
  • AA = cross-sectional area = 0.71 m²
  • CdC_d = drag coefficient = 1.0

Step-by-step calculation:

  1. Gravitational Force: The weight of the skydiver is mgmg, where: mg=64.0kg×9.81m/s2=627.84Nmg = 64.0 \, \text{kg} \times 9.81 \, \text{m/s}^2 = 627.84 \, \text{N}

  2. Drag Force Formula: At terminal velocity, the gravitational force is balanced by the drag force: Fdrag=12ρvt2ACdF_{\text{drag}} = \frac{1}{2} \rho v_t^2 A C_d Set Fdrag=mgF_{\text{drag}} = mg, so: 627.84=12(1.21)vt2(0.71)(1.0)627.84 = \frac{1}{2} (1.21) v_t^2 (0.71) (1.0)

  3. Solve for vtv_t: 627.84=0.42935vt2627.84 = 0.42935 v_t^2 vt2=627.840.42935=1463.88v_t^2 = \frac{627.84}{0.42935} = 1463.88 vt=1463.88=38.3m/sv_t = \sqrt{1463.88} = 38.3 \, \text{m/s}

Thus, the terminal velocity is approximately 38 m/s.

Answer: 38 m/s

Let me know if you want further details or have any other questions!

Here are some related questions for you to explore:

  1. How does air density affect terminal velocity?
  2. What happens to the terminal velocity if the drag coefficient increases?
  3. How does the mass of an object impact its terminal velocity?
  4. What is the role of cross-sectional area in the drag equation?
  5. How does terminal velocity change with altitude?

Tip: Terminal velocity is reached when the force of gravity pulling the object down equals the air resistance pushing it up.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Physics
Kinematics
Equations of Motion
Terminal Velocity
Drag Force

Formulas

v_t = √(2mg / (ρAC_d))
F_drag = (1/2)ρv_t^2AC_d

Theorems

Terminal velocity occurs when the drag force equals the gravitational force.

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12