The discussion focuses on how a parachute reduces a skydiver's kinetic energy (KE) upon descent. When a skydiver jumps from a plane at approximately 30 m/s, they initially possess high kinetic and potential energy. Upon deploying the parachute, air resistance significantly slows their descent, converting kinetic energy into work done against drag forces, thereby reducing their speed and kinetic energy before landing. The remaining kinetic energy is dissipated upon ground contact, but the primary mechanism for energy reduction during descent is air resistance.
PREREQUISITESThis discussion is beneficial for physics students, aerospace engineers, and anyone interested in the mechanics of skydiving and parachute design.
Well, no, when the chutist or skydiver jumos from the plane with chute not opened, he has a pretty high speed (lets just say 30m/s), which implies a high KE and also he has a high PE in relation to the ground. When he opens his chute, his speed drops radically, and so does his KE, and there's a slight PE drop as well as he gets a bit lower to the ground during chute deployment, but thta does not explain the KE loss. What force comes into play that causes him to lose his speed and do work to reduce that KE?hodgepodge said:Homework Statement
How does a parachute help a man hit the ground with a small kinetic energy? Where does the energy go? Explain everything in energy terms.
Homework Equations
The Attempt at a Solution
i think that when the parachute is deployed, the kinetic energy the man has from falling is turned into potential energy, but where does the potential energy go? in the parachute? in the man?
Yes! The air drag force on the chute upwards counteracts the gravity force downward, acting to slow the descent and cause the loss of KE which is due to the work done by the drag force, per the applicable energy equations. But that loss doesn't get transferred to the man.hodgepodge said:air resistance?