Direction of Resultant Force on a Skydiver After Opening Parachute

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SUMMARY

When a skydiver opens their parachute after reaching terminal velocity, the direction of the resultant force immediately shifts upwards. This upward force, generated by the increased air resistance, causes the skydiver to decelerate. Initially, the skydiver experiences an upward acceleration due to this net force until the forces balance out again with gravity. The discussion clarifies that while at terminal velocity, the forces are balanced, but upon parachute deployment, the upward force becomes dominant, leading to deceleration.

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Muhammad Danish
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When a skydiver falls at terminal velocity, and opens his parachute, what will be the direction of the resultant force immediately after he opens his parachute?
As far as I know is that the direction of acceleration will be upwards since his velocity is decreasing. I am a bit confused regarding the direction of resultant force.
Thanks.
(REGARDS)
 
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Muhammad Danish said:
As far as I know is that the direction of acceleration will be upwards since his velocity is decreasing. I am a bit confused regarding the direction of resultant force.

If the acceleration is upwards, and acceleration requires a force, then what is the direction of the force?
 
Drakkith said:
If the acceleration is upwards, and acceleration requires a force, then what is the direction of the force?
Upwards?
 
That's right. If there is a net force to the side or downwards instead, what would happen to the skydiver?
 
Drakkith said:
That's right. If there is a net force to the side or downwards instead, what would happen to the skydiver?
The skydiver will fall down at an increasing velocity? (Because the acceleration will be downwards)
 
Yep. If the skydiver is at terminal velocity, then the resultant forces are zero and they are not accelerating. Upon opening their parachute, the upward force from the air greatly increases, causing them to decelerate. As their airspeed decreases, the upward force decreases as well, until it is balanced with gravity again.
 
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Drakkith said:
Yep. If the skydiver is at terminal velocity, then the resultant forces are zero and they are not acceleration. Upon opening their parachute, the upward force from the air greatly increases, causing them to deceleration. As their airspeed decreases, the upward force decreases as well, until it is balanced with gravity again.
Well, this was the best explanation. Thanks a lot for making things clear :)
 
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