Suppose a parachutist is falling toward the ground, and the downward force of gravity is exactly equal to the upward force of air resistance. Which statement is true?

a. The velocity of the parachutist must be zero.

b. The velocity of the parachutist is not changing with time.

c. The velocity of the parachutist is increasing with time.

d. The velocity of the parachutist is increasing with time.

Question

Avah Mclaughlin

Physics

15 December, 15:22

Suppose a parachutist is falling toward the ground, and the downward force of gravity is exactly equal to the upward force of air resistance. Which statement is true?

a. The velocity of the parachutist must be zero.

b. The velocity of the parachutist is not changing with time.

c. The velocity of the parachutist is increasing with time.

d. The velocity of the parachutist is increasing with time.

+4

Answers (1)

Know the Answer?

Paula Navarro · Answer 1

Option b. is correct.

Explanation:

In the given question a parachutist is falling toward the ground.

Also, the downward force of gravity is exactly equal to the upward force of air resistance.

So, net force applied to the parachutist is equal to zero (because both force acts in opposite direction).

Now by first law of motion:

An object will be in rest or in constant speed unless and until no external force is applied on it.

So, in the question the velocity of the parachutist is not changing with time.

Therefore, option b. is correct.

Hence, this is the required solution.