Terminal velocity physics help

In summary, a person is falling at a terminal velocity of 140 km/h and Superwoman has 1.9 seconds to catch them before they hit the ground 1000 meters below. Using the equation x(t) = Xi + Vi(t) + 0.5A(t)^2, we can calculate that Superwoman's acceleration must be -3.548 m/s^2 in order to catch the person just before they hit the ground. This assumes that Superwoman takes her time realizing that the person is falling.
  • #1
thegreatone09
Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Superwoman is hovering above the ground when a person free-falling goes by her at a terminal veloctiy of 140 km/h (39m/s). Unfortunately, the parachute doesn't open. Fortunately, Superwomanis around. If it takes her 1.9s to realize the person is in distress, what must her acceleration be if she is to catch the parachutist just before she hits the ground (so exactly at) 1000m below?
 
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  • #2
0M ' *- Superwoman
| '
| * Person falling
|
|
|
-1000M_______________________________________________ GROUND

-1000 = -39m/sT (Terminal velocity is constant) T is time
T = 25.641 (Time it takes for PERSON, to hit ground)

t = 25.641 - 1.9 s (Time that Superwoman actually has)
= 23.741 s

Remember she does take her time realizing that PERSON is falling.

Then you use x(t) = Xi + Vi(t) + 0.5A(t)^2

x(t) = -1000m. We need to get to -1000 meters.
Xi = 0m. Superwoman 1000m above the -1000m therefore she's at an initial height of 0m. (just look at the picture, if it's confusing.)
Vi = 0m/s Superwoman isn't flying anywhere, that is, in the vertical direction.
t = 23.741 We know that this is the time we have to catch PERSON.
A = ? isn't that what we are finding

-1000 = 0 + 0(23.741s) + 0.5A(23.741s)^2.
-1000 = 0 + 0 + 281.871*A
-1000 = 281.871A
A = -3.548 m/s^2 or m/s/s Whichever you like

Well I could be wrong, so have someone else check it in case

os_dnw_sm0015_6.jpg
Aghhh I hate the avatars I want this pic for my avatar, except I need to get it to 50x50 :P
 
Last edited:
  • #3
Thanks!
 

1. What is terminal velocity in physics?

Terminal velocity is the maximum velocity that an object can reach when falling through a fluid or air. It occurs when the force of gravity is equal to the force of air resistance, causing the object to stop accelerating and reach a constant speed.

2. How is terminal velocity calculated?

The formula for calculating terminal velocity is V = √(2mg/pAC), where V is the terminal velocity, m is the mass of the object, g is the acceleration due to gravity, p is the density of the fluid, A is the projected area of the object, and C is the drag coefficient.

3. What factors affect terminal velocity?

The factors that affect terminal velocity include the mass and shape of the object, the density of the fluid, and the gravitational force. Objects with larger mass or surface area will have a higher terminal velocity, while denser fluids or higher gravitational forces will result in a lower terminal velocity.

4. Can terminal velocity be exceeded?

No, terminal velocity is the maximum speed an object can reach while falling through a fluid. Once an object reaches terminal velocity, the forces acting on it are balanced and it will continue to fall at a constant speed until it reaches the ground.

5. How is terminal velocity different from freefall?

Terminal velocity occurs when the forces of gravity and air resistance are balanced, resulting in a constant falling speed. Freefall, on the other hand, is the motion of an object falling under the sole influence of gravity, without any air resistance. Objects in freefall will continue to accelerate until they reach terminal velocity.

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