What is the Acceleration of a Skydiver with Air Resistance?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves determining the magnitude of the acceleration of a skydiver, taking into account the forces acting on her, specifically the weight and air resistance. The subject area pertains to dynamics and forces in physics.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between weight, air resistance, and net force. Some attempt to calculate the net force and acceleration using different approaches, while others question the distinction between weight and mass.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring various interpretations of the forces involved. Some guidance has been provided regarding the calculation of net force, but there is no explicit consensus on the correct approach to find acceleration.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexities of force calculations, including the distinction between weight and mass, and the implications of air resistance on acceleration. There is an indication of confusion regarding the application of gravitational force in their calculations.

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Homework Statement


What is the magnitude of the acceleration of a falling sky diver (mass 62.5kg including parachute) when the upward force of air resistance is equal to one fourth of her weight?

so i know that Fnet=ma but since i do not know what either the Fnet or the a is i have no idea on how to figure it out.
 
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The force from gravity is the skydiver's weight. The air resistance opposes her weight, therefore the resultant force is the weight minus the resistance. I'm sure you can get acceleration from there.
 
ok so i tried doing her weight, 62.5 - (62.5/4) and that was wrong and then someone had told me to use gravity with this also so i tried 62.5(9.8)-((62.5*9.8)/4) and that was wrong as well. where am i going wrong?
 
Weight and mass are distinct. Weight is mass multiplied by the acceleration due to gravity. The second part of your work has calculated the net force. The question asks for acceleration.
 

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