Physics 0625 · IGCSE · Forces

Forces — practice question

A skydiver with a mass of 76 kg is descending vertically through still air. At time t = 0, he opens his parachute. Fig. 1.1 shows the skydiver’s speed-time graph from t = 0.
(a(i))[2]

Using Fig. 1.1, determine the deceleration of the skydiver just after the parachute opens.

(a(ii))[3]

Using Fig. 1.1, determine the force due to air resistance acting on the skydiver immediately after the parachute opens.

(b)[3]

Explain, in terms of the forces acting on the skydiver, how his motion changes between t = 0 and t = 6.0 s.

(c)[2]

Explain why opening the parachute cannot bring the skydiver’s speed down to zero.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 10-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: “A value in the range 35 to 43 m s^{-2}” …

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