Calculating Terminal Speed of a 82kg Skydiver using Basic Physics Formulas

[Steelers72]

Homework Statement

A 82kg skydiver can be modeled as a rectangular "box" with dimensions 21cm× 44cm× 1.8m

Homework Equations

v = sqrt(2mg/(rho * C *A))

The Attempt at a Solution

A = 0.21 m * 0.44 m = 0.0924 m^2

v = sqrt(2 * 82 kg * 9.81 m/s^2 / (1.2 kg/m^2 * 0.0924 m^2 * 0.80))
=135m/sApparently this is wrong. I have tried many other formulae but I haven't had luck and I have one more attempt remaining. Any ideas?

 

[Svein]

Why are you assuming that he dives "head first"?

 

[Steelers72]

Why are you assuming that he dives "head first"?

the question doesn't suggest otherwise, doesn't specify if he dives head first or legs first.

 

[SteamKing]

the question doesn't suggest otherwise, doesn't specify if he dives head first or legs first.

What if the skydiver takes this attitude, before the parachute opens?

 

[AbhinavJ]

What if the skydiver takes this attitude, before the parachute opens?

Agreed! Take the largest surface of the box as area.