How far does the parachutist fall before his parachute opens?

In summary, the conversation is about a parachutist freefalling from a height of 4000 meters and graphing their distance vs. time as they fall. The person asking the question is struggling to plot the graph and determine the time when the parachute opens at 200 meters. The suggested solution is to use the standard kinematics equation, s = ut + (1/2)at^2, where s is distance, u is initial velocity, a is acceleration, and t is time. Another solution is to use the formula mgh = (1/2)mv^2, where m is mass, g is gravity, h is height, and v is velocity.
  • #1
kelsybayless
1
0
1. Homework Statement
A parachutist freefalls from a height of 4000 meters above the ground. Graph his distance vs. time as he falls stop your graph when his parachute opens 200 meters

Homework Equations



i tried a couple equations
rate x time=distance
(final velocity)= (initial velocity)+ acceleration(time)

The Attempt at a Solution



i know that the graph is going a downward curve just don't understand how to plot them and the time is what imm trying to figure but it just keeps coming out different.
 
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  • #3


tiny-tim said:
Hi kelsybayless! Welcome to PF! :smile:

Use the standard https://www.physicsforums.com/library.php?do=view_item&itemid=204" equation, s = ut + (1/2)at2 :wink:
Hello kelsybayless
For the first 3800 meter this suggestion could be right.
mgh=1/2mv^2
Divide out m, h=3800, g=pi^2 so v can be calculated.
greetings Janm
 
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Related to How far does the parachutist fall before his parachute opens?

What is a parachute freefall graph?

A parachute freefall graph is a graphical representation of the velocity of an object as it falls through the air with a parachute attached. It shows how the velocity changes over time during the descent.

How is a parachute freefall graph created?

A parachute freefall graph is created by collecting data on the velocity of an object as it falls with a parachute attached. This data is then plotted on a graph with time on the horizontal axis and velocity on the vertical axis.

What does the shape of a parachute freefall graph represent?

The shape of a parachute freefall graph represents the changes in the velocity of the object as it falls. A steep slope on the graph indicates a high velocity, while a shallow slope indicates a lower velocity.

What can be learned from a parachute freefall graph?

A parachute freefall graph can provide information about the effectiveness of a parachute in slowing down the descent of an object. It can also show the maximum velocity reached during the fall and how long it takes for the object to reach a safe landing speed.

How does air resistance affect a parachute freefall graph?

Air resistance, or drag, plays a significant role in the shape of a parachute freefall graph. As the parachute opens and increases in surface area, the drag force increases, which then decreases the velocity of the falling object. This can be seen as a decrease in the slope of the graph.

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