When a parachutist jumps from an airplane, he eventually reaches a constant speed, called the terminal velocity. This means that
A) the acceleration is equal to g.
B) the force of air resistance is equal to zero.
C) the effect of gravity has died down.
D) the effect of gravity increases as he becomes closer to the ground.
E) the force of air resistance is equal to the weight of the parachutist.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Terminal velocity is achieved when the force of air resistance acting against the parachutist's motion is equal to and opposite the force of gravity acting on the parachutist's weight. At this point, the resultant force is zero and the parachutist's acceleration becomes zero, leading to a constant speed. Therefore, the force of air resistance is equal to the weight of the parachutist at terminal velocity.

When a Parachutist Jumps from an Airplane, He Eventually Reaches