How Did a Ski Diver Survive a 360m Fall into Snow?

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A pilot survived a 360 m fall after jumping from an aircraft, landing in a snowbank that created a 1.1 m deep crater, resulting in only minor injuries. The discussion focuses on estimating the work done by the snow to stop him, the average force exerted by the snow, and the work done by air resistance during the fall. Calculations involve determining the pilot's kinetic energy without air resistance and the forces at play during the impact. Participants emphasize the importance of presenting calculations clearly for better understanding and assistance. The thread highlights the physics of free fall and the role of snow in cushioning the impact.
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An airplane pilot fell 360 m after jumping from an aircraft without his parachute opening. He landed in a snowbank, creating a crater 1.1 m deep, but survived with only minor injuries. Assuming the pilot's mass was 84 kg and his terminal velocity was 50 m/s, estimate the following.
(a) the work done by the snow in bringing him to the rest
J
(b) the average force exerted on him by the snow to stop him
N
(c) the work done on him by the air resistance as he fell
J
 
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You need to show some work if you want help. I'll kick it off for you though... for solving part (c), what would his kinetic energy been without air resistance?
 
W=(84*9.8)-1/2(50)squared*1.1

does the force exerted by the snow to bring him to rest have to be more than or equal to the force he exerts on the snow?
 
Sportsman, was that your answer to Office_Shredder's question? I hope you don't answer your questions like that in tests and exams, it's not well presented. Please give it a proper go so we can see that you are putting effort in.
 
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