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The graph shows how the vertical speed of a skydiver varies with time - Scottish Highers Physics - Question 3 - 2017
Question 3
The graph shows how the vertical speed of a skydiver varies with time. A student uses information from the graph to make the following statements. I The accelerat... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The graph shows how the vertical speed of a skydiver varies with time - Scottish Highers Physics - Question 3 - 2017
Step 1
Step 2
II The air resistance acting on the skydiver between Q and R is less than the weight of the skydiver.
Answer
This statement is incorrect. After point Q, the vertical speed of the skydiver levels out, indicating that the air resistance is equal to the weight of the skydiver. Therefore, the net force becomes zero and the acceleration is zero.
Step 3
III The forces acting on the skydiver are balanced between R and S.
Answer
This statement is correct. At point R, the skydiver reaches terminal velocity, meaning the forces of gravity (weight) and air resistance are balanced, resulting in no further acceleration as the speed remains constant between R and S.