Air Resistance and Gravitational Force

[Soaring Crane]

If you jumped out 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 wind resistance force’s magnitude is

a.much smaller that the gravitational force acting on you.
b.slightly smaller that the force of gravity acting on you.
c.greater than the force of gravity acting on you
d.equal to the force of gravity acting on you.

Is it equal to the force of gravity? If there is constant velocity, then acceleration is 0. The sum of the forces would be equal to 0. In the vertical direction, F_R – F_G = 0. F_R = F_G?

Thanks.

 

[radou]

Sounds good, yes.

 

[kyle8921]

I would like to clarify that the statement made in the content is not entirely accurate. When you jump out of a plane, you will initially experience a downward acceleration due to the force of gravity. However, as you fall, you will eventually reach a point where the upward force of air resistance will balance out the downward force of gravity, resulting in a constant velocity (not acceleration) until you reach the ground.

To answer the question, the magnitude of the wind resistance force will be equal to the force of gravity at this point, and both forces will be equal in opposite directions, resulting in a net force of 0 in the vertical direction. Therefore, option d. equal to the force of gravity acting on you, is the correct answer.

It is important to note that the magnitude of the wind resistance force will vary depending on factors such as the size and shape of your body, as well as the density and speed of the air. But at the point where your velocity becomes constant, the magnitude of the wind resistance force will indeed be equal to the force of gravity acting on you.