Calculating Power of a Skydiver at Terminal Speed

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the power exerted by a 60-kg skydiver at terminal velocity, falling 50 meters in 1 second. The correct formula for power is established as P = wL/t, where w is weight, L is distance, and t is time. The calculated power output is 30,000 watts. The conversation also explores the implications of this power output, questioning where the energy dissipates during the fall, particularly in relation to heating the air and the skydiver.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts such as force, weight, and power.
  • Familiarity with the formula for calculating power: P = wL/t.
  • Knowledge of terminal velocity and its implications in free fall.
  • Basic grasp of energy transfer and heat dissipation in fluid dynamics.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of terminal velocity in free-fall physics.
  • Learn about energy transfer and heat dissipation in fluids.
  • Explore the effects of air resistance on falling objects.
  • Investigate the relationship between power output and perceived temperature in high-speed scenarios.
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, educators, and anyone interested in the dynamics of free fall and energy transfer in fluid environments.

koky0
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60-kg skydiver moving at terminal speed falls 50 m in 1 s. What power is the skydiver expending on the air?

can we say p=w/t=mgt/t=60*10*50/1=30000 watt!:confused:
 
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Hi Koky, welcome to the board.
Power is force times distance per unit time, so where you say P=w/t=mgt/t, that should be P=wL/t=mgL/t
Where P=power
w=weight
L=length or distance
t=time
But yes, you got it correct in the end. This begs the question, "Where is all that energy going?" Is it going into heating the air or the skydiver or both? And even if (of course it is) going into both, wouldn't the skydiver feel thousands of watts of power being blown at him? After all, a 1000 watt hair dryer is quite warm, so what should the skydiver feel and why?
 
Thank you Q_Goest .. you r right .. it is my typing mistake .. it should be d (distance) not t
 

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