Another Grade 11 Dynamics Problem Needing Urgent Help

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves understanding the dynamics of a skydiver with a parachute, specifically focusing on the concept of terminal velocity and the forces acting on the object during free fall. The drag coefficient and its relationship to velocity are central to the discussion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between gravitational force and air resistance, questioning how to determine the point at which these forces balance. There is an attempt to clarify the definitions and calculations related to terminal velocity.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing guidance on how to set up the equations for gravitational force and air resistance. There is a focus on writing out the relevant formulas and understanding the relationships between the variables involved.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the definitions and calculations, indicating a need for further clarification on concepts like terminal velocity and the forces at play. The original poster appears to be struggling with the foundational aspects of the problem.

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Homework Statement



The drag coefficient works like the coefficient of friction when an object is moving through the air, but it increases its effects as the object moves faster. A skydiver plus the parachute has a combined mass of 94.0kg. if the formula for the drag coefficient of the parachute is F_fric=C_D v^2, find the terminal velocity of the 54.0kg/m



Homework Equations



m=94.0kg a=9.8m/s^2
Cd=54.0kg




The Attempt at a Solution



I do not understand the question and am not even sure what terminal velocity is in the first place
 
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As an object falls under gravity, air resistance gets stronger and stronger. Eventually, at a certain speed, air resistance will equal the force of gravity and the object stops accelerating. So what's the first step?
 
Oh ok how do you find out when that point is?
 
At that point, the force of gravity is equal to the force of air resistance. Write that out as a formula and you're basically done.
 
Fg=Fa?
 
Yes.
 
so there isn't any answer?
 
Fg=?
Fa=?

Write them out using the information you know and the information you want to find (namely, Cd, v, m, and g).
 
ok ill try and post back
 
  • #10
You already got one:

F_fric=C_D v^2

What's Fg?
 
  • #11
Fg is 9.8m/s/s
 
  • #12
That's g, the acceleration due to gravity. F=ma, so Fg=?
 
  • #13
921.2m/s/s?
 
  • #14
wow i need serious help with this
 
  • #15
Fg=mg. Remember this.
 
  • #16
ok i think i might have gotten it...is this all i have to do:
m=94.0kg
a=9.8m/s^2
CD=54kg/m
v=?
F_fric=?
Step 1
F_fric=ma
F_fric=94.0*9.8
F_fric=921.2m/s
Step 2:
921.2=54*v^2
921.2/54=v^2
17.1=v^2
√17.1=v
4.1=v
v=4.1m/s
 
  • #17
is it right?
 

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