Jumping out a plane force of wind resistance

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of terminal speed and the forces that act on an object falling from a plane. It is determined that after reaching terminal speed, the force of wind resistance is equal to the force of gravity.
  • #1
physicsgurl12
184
0

Homework Statement



If you jumped out of a plane you would begin speeding up as you fall downward. eventually due to wind resistance your velocity would become constant with time. after this occurs the magnitude of the force of wind resistance is
a. slightly smaller than the force of gravity acting on you
b. equal to the force of gravity
c. greater than the force of gravity

Homework Equations



g=v/t

The Attempt at a Solution


slightly smaller?
 
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  • #2
physicsgurl12 said:
slightly smaller?

Why would that be?
 
  • #3
honestly, I am not really sure
but i think it would be because the only two forces are gravity and air resistance and air restiance would cause it to be slighty smaller
 
  • #4
It's true that air resistance would never get "quite" as strong as gravity, so you would continue to gain speed (slightly) till you hit ground.
BUT
The question is about AFTER "your velocity becomes constant" .
IF your velocity is constant, what about those two Forces?
 
  • #5
if your velocity is constant your not accelerating
 
  • #6
your acceleration is zero. (we like zero's).
so the Forces?
 
  • #7
if acceleration is zero the force would be zero?
 
  • #8
which is zero?
gravity? wind resistance? the difference? the sum? the average? ...
 
  • #9
um. you kinda lost me there. gravitys not zero ever? and i wouldn't think wind resistance could be. the average of what?
 
  • #10
you said "the force would be zero" ... as if there was only one possible choice.
 
  • #11
well if f=ma and if a=0 then f=0
 
  • #12
have you not yet seen Σ ? it is the ΣF = ma
 
  • #13
i have, but i don't remeber what it means
 
  • #14
all forces acting on an object?
would the answer be equal to gravity?
 
  • #15
it means "Sum" ... as in "it is the Sum of Forces that cause a mass to accelerate".

You add the constant gravity Force vector (which direction?)
to the increasing air resistance Force vector (which direction?)
to get the mass to accelerate with a getting smaller and smaller (downward) till zero.
 
  • #16
gravity vector is down air resistance is up.
so the answer is b?
 
  • #17
yes. (after you've achieved "approximately constant velocity" = terminal speed)
 
  • #18
sweet thanks
 
  • #19
yes (after reaching "terminal speed" = approximate constant velocity)
 

Related to Jumping out a plane force of wind resistance

What is the force of wind resistance when jumping out of a plane?

The force of wind resistance when jumping out of a plane is known as drag. It is the force that opposes the motion of the object (in this case, the person jumping out of the plane) through the air.

How does air density affect wind resistance when jumping out of a plane?

Air density plays a significant role in wind resistance when jumping out of a plane. The denser the air, the greater the drag force will be. This is because more air molecules are present to collide with the falling object, slowing it down.

What is the terminal velocity when jumping out of a plane?

Terminal velocity is the maximum speed an object can reach when falling through a fluid, such as air. When jumping out of a plane, a person's terminal velocity can range from 120-200 miles per hour, depending on their body position and weight.

How do factors like body position and weight affect wind resistance when jumping out of a plane?

Body position and weight can greatly impact wind resistance when jumping out of a plane. A person with a smaller surface area and a more streamlined body position will experience less drag compared to someone with a larger surface area and a less streamlined body position. Additionally, a heavier person will experience more drag due to their weight pulling them down at a faster rate.

Can wind resistance be reduced when jumping out of a plane?

Yes, there are ways to reduce wind resistance when jumping out of a plane. One way is to use a parachute, which increases the surface area and slows down the person's fall. Another way is to use a wing suit, which allows the person to glide through the air and reduce the force of drag. However, it is important to note that wind resistance cannot be completely eliminated, as it is an essential force in slowing down a falling object and preventing injuries upon impact with the ground.

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