How does the terminal speed of a parachutist before opening a parachute compare to terminal speed after?

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How does the terminal speed of a parachutist before opening a parachute compare to terminal speed after?

WHy is there a difference?

2006-09-24 09:57:42 · 2 answers · asked by lilv 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics

2 answers

the terminal speed for a falling human is 120mph thats why you need a parachute so your not going 120 anymore.

2006-09-24 10:02:26 · answer #1 · answered by koolhand 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋

The teminal speed of the parachutist with the parachute open is much lower than before; otherwise his speed would truly be "terminal". The reason is that the parachute has a much higher drag in air than the man alone, reducing the terminal velocity.

2006-09-24 17:03:54 · answer #2 · answered by gp4rts 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋