Calculating Skydiver Terminal Speed: A Drag Problem Solved

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In summary, a 75.0 kg skydiver can be modeled as a rectangular "box" with dimensions 24.0 cm x 44.0 cm x 184 cm. To find his terminal speed when falling feet first, we can use the formula drag = mg and set it equal to the formula drag = KV^2, where K is the drag coefficient and V is the velocity. However, the value of K is not provided and must be determined experimentally. The formula for K is K = 1/2 * air density * cross-sectional area * drag coefficient.
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vau
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A 75.0 kg skydiver can be modeled as a rectangular "box" with dimensions 24.0 cm\times 44.0 cm\times 184 cm.
What is his terminal speed if he falls feet first?

I know that drag = mg when terminal speed is reached. so drag is 75*9.8

and there's a formula drag = KV^2 where K is drag coeff and V is velocity, but I don't know K.

a little help?
 
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  • #2
Okay, so you summed the forces when they were in equilibrium and found the force of drag. You don't know K, does that mean you are supposed to derive it? If so, my hint is that you were given two different quantities in your problem, and you already used one... so K must have something to do with the other.
 
  • #3
[tex]K = \frac{1}{2} \rho S C_D[/tex]
Where
[tex]\rho[/tex] is air density.
S is the cross section area. In your case 24cm x 44cm.
[tex]C_D[/tex] is the drag coefficient, normally determined experimentally. If you don´t have it´s value I don´t see how you could solve the problem.
 

1. What is the "skydiver drag problem"?

The "skydiver drag problem" is a physics problem that involves calculating the forces acting on a skydiver as they fall through the air. The main focus is on the drag force, which is the resistance force that acts opposite to the direction of motion.

2. How is the drag force calculated in the skydiver drag problem?

The drag force is calculated using the drag equation, which takes into account the air density, the velocity of the skydiver, the cross-sectional area of the skydiver, and the drag coefficient. The drag coefficient is a dimensionless quantity that depends on the shape and size of the object.

3. Why is the skydiver drag problem important?

The skydiver drag problem is important because it helps us understand the physics behind skydiving and other similar activities. It also allows us to make predictions about the behavior of the skydiver and how different factors, such as their body position or the air density, can affect their fall.

4. How does the skydiver's body position affect the drag force?

The skydiver's body position can greatly affect the drag force they experience. A spread-out and flat body position will result in a higher drag force, slowing down the fall. On the other hand, a streamlined body position, with arms and legs close to the body, will result in a lower drag force and a faster fall.

5. Are there any real-life applications of the skydiver drag problem?

Yes, the skydiver drag problem has many real-life applications, particularly in the design of parachutes and wingsuits. By understanding the factors that affect the drag force, engineers can optimize the design of these devices for better performance and safety.

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