Physics 9702 · AS & A Level · Momentum and Newton's laws of motion

Momentum and Newton's laws of motion — practice question

The diagram depicts two parachutists, X and Y, descending straight down. The combined mass of parachutist Y and his parachute is twice the combined mass of parachutist X and his parachute. At this instant, the air resistance acting on parachutist Y is twice the air resistance acting on parachutist X. Neither parachutist has yet attained his constant (terminal) velocity. Which statement compares the acceleration of Y with the acceleration of X?

  • AThe acceleration of Y is half the acceleration of X.
  • BThe acceleration of Y is the same as the acceleration of X.
  • CThe acceleration of Y is more than the acceleration of X, but less than twice the value.
  • DThe acceleration of Y is twice the acceleration of X.

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