How Do You Calculate the Final Velocity of a Skydiver?

AI Thread Summary
To calculate the final velocity of a skydiver, it's essential to consider both horizontal and vertical components of motion. The initial horizontal velocity (v1) is given as 90 m/s, with zero acceleration, while the vertical component has an initial velocity of 0 m/s, an acceleration of -9.8 m/s², and a time of 10.6 seconds. The vertical velocity calculated is 100 m/s, but the final velocity should combine both components. The equation V2 = V1 + a(delta t) is appropriate, but the final velocity must account for both the horizontal and vertical components to achieve the correct resultant velocity of 130 m/s. Understanding the vector nature of the motion is crucial for accurate calculation.
KaseyK
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This question was actually a 3 part question. I answered (a) and (b) correctly however I can't figure out how to calculate the 'final velocity of the skydiver'. Here are the givens:

x axis
v1 - 90 m/s
acceleration - zero
delta t - 10.6 seconds
delta d - 958.5 m

Y axis
v1 = 0
delta t - 10.6 seconds
acceleration = -9.8 m/s^2
delta d = 550 m

I was already asked to calculate the vertical velocity of the skydiver which was 100 m/s.

However now they want me to find the final velocity. I was thinking about using the equation:

V2= V1 + a (delta t)

When I use this equation though I don't come up with the right answer, which is supposed to be 130 m/s.

Help!
 
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It would help if you posted the whole question as stated to you since it's not clear what the situation is. "v1 - 90"?? I'm assuming you mean "v1 = 90"?? Anyway, i'll offer this advice: if the skydiver is not falling straight down, the final velocity will have two components to it (x and y). You need to find the resultant of those two components to get the final velocity.
 
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