Reread the problem statement carefully: the acceleration is given.frigid said:
Frictional force is the resistance force that acts between two surfaces that are in contact with each other. It is caused by the microscopic irregularities on the surfaces that interlock when in contact, resulting in a force that opposes motion.
In skydiving, frictional force plays a crucial role in slowing down the descent of the skydiver. As the skydiver falls through the air, the air molecules exert a force on the skydiver's body, creating air resistance or drag. Frictional force acts in the opposite direction of the air resistance, helping to balance it out and slow down the skydiver's descent.
The surface area of the skydiver does not directly affect the frictional force. However, a larger surface area means that there is more air resistance, which in turn increases the frictional force acting on the skydiver. This is why skydivers wear suits that reduce their surface area to minimize air resistance and increase their freefall speed.
No, frictional force is not constant during a skydive. As the skydiver falls, their speed increases, causing the frictional force to also increase. However, when the skydiver reaches terminal velocity, the air resistance and frictional force balance out, resulting in a constant speed.
The weight of the skydiver does not affect the frictional force directly. However, a heavier skydiver will experience a greater air resistance force and therefore a greater frictional force. This means that a heavier skydiver will reach terminal velocity at a faster speed than a lighter skydiver.