A large and a small person wish to parachute at equal terminal velocities. The larger person will have to
A) get a larger parachute.
B) jump lightly.
C) jump first from the plane.
D) pull upward on the supporting strands to decrease the downward net force.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A larger person will have a greater gravitational force acting on them due to their greater mass. To achieve equal terminal velocities, the larger person needs a larger parachute to increase air resistance, balancing the gravitational force with the drag force.

A Large and a Small Person Wish to Parachute at Equal