Question on Terminal Velocity finding time

AI Thread Summary
To find the time it takes for Skydiver B to catch up to Skydiver A, the problem can be simplified by assuming both divers reach their terminal velocities immediately. Skydiver A falls at 41.53 m/s, while Skydiver B, who jumps 20 seconds later, falls at 90 m/s. The distance Skydiver A falls in 20 seconds is 830 meters, which must be covered by Skydiver B. By using the difference in their speeds, it can be calculated that Skydiver B will take approximately 37 seconds to reach Skydiver A. This approach effectively ignores the time taken to reach terminal velocity and focuses solely on their constant speeds after that point.
baird.lindsay
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Homework Statement


I have two skydivers umping out of a plane at 5000m . Skydiver A is using extended arms and reaching a terminal velocity of 41.53m/s. Skydiver B jumping 20 second later headdown and reaching a terminal velocity at 90 m/s. The question is to find the time the second diver must dive in the headdown position to reach Skydiver A. I know the drag forces for each of the skydivers. Cofnused on how to find the time. The answer of the time is 37 seconds but not sure how to get there


Homework Equations


kinematics? vf=vi + at


The Attempt at a Solution



im not sure I tried using vf^2=vi^2+ 2as to find distance from the earth
but the number didnt make sense to me. I think I got 88 m from Earth to reach
terminal velocity... not sure...
 
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im not sure I tried using vf^2=vi^2+ 2as to find distance from the earth
but the number didnt make sense to me. I think I got 88 m from Earth to reach
terminal velocity... not sure...[/QUOTE]

This equation only works if you have a constant acceleration, but do you have that in this case? What about after you reach terminal velocity?

Are you given a time that it takes to reach the terminal velocity?
 
rodriguez1gv said:
im not sure I tried using vf^2=vi^2+ 2as to find distance from the earth
but the number didnt make sense to me. I think I got 88 m from Earth to reach
terminal velocity... not sure...

This equation only works if you have a constant acceleration, but do you have that in this case? What about after you reach terminal velocity?

Are you given a time that it takes to reach the terminal velocity?[/QUOTE]

no it doesnt:( but yes after if your terminal velocity...theres no time in the problem...not sure what to do..
 
You are supposed to ignore whatever happens before they reach their terminal velocities, and just use the terminal velocities to solve the problem.
 
What do you have for the drag forces?
 
voko said:
You are supposed to ignore whatever happens before they reach their terminal velocities, and just use the terminal velocities to solve the problem.

how would I go about that?
 
Assume that both divers acquire their terminal velocities immediately.
 

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