Another Grade 11 Dynamics Problem Needing Urgent Help

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the terminal velocity of a skydiver with a parachute, given a combined mass of 94.0 kg and a drag coefficient of 54.0 kg/m. The user initially struggles with understanding terminal velocity, which occurs when the force of gravity equals the force of air resistance. They correctly identify that the formula for drag force is F_fric = C_D v^2 and relate it to gravitational force using Fg = mg. After working through the calculations, they arrive at a terminal velocity of approximately 4.1 m/s, seeking confirmation on the accuracy of their solution. The conversation highlights the importance of equating gravitational and drag forces to find terminal velocity.
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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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