How Do You Calculate the Final Velocity of a Skydiver?

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SUMMARY

The final velocity of a skydiver can be calculated using vector components, specifically when the skydiver is not falling straight down. Given the horizontal initial velocity (v1) of 90 m/s and a vertical initial velocity (v1) of 0 m/s with an acceleration of -9.8 m/s² over a time interval of 10.6 seconds, the correct approach involves calculating both the horizontal and vertical components of velocity. The final vertical velocity is determined to be 100 m/s, leading to a resultant final velocity of 130 m/s when combined with the horizontal component.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of kinematic equations, specifically V2 = V1 + a (delta t)
  • Knowledge of vector addition for calculating resultant velocities
  • Familiarity with gravitational acceleration (-9.8 m/s²)
  • Basic principles of motion in two dimensions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study vector addition techniques for calculating resultant velocities
  • Learn more about kinematic equations in physics
  • Explore the effects of air resistance on skydiving dynamics
  • Investigate the concept of terminal velocity in free fall
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of skydiving and motion in two dimensions.

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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