HEYOOO PEEPS As skydivers fall through the air, a resisting force builds up underneath them. This air resistance decreases their acceleration toward the ground, making them reach a constant velocity as they fall. This is called terminal velocity. The average terminal velocity for a skydiver is about 200 km/hr.


This speed is much too fast for a skydiver to land safely. A safe speed for a skydiver to land at is only 30 km/hr.


Resistance from the air isn’t enough to slow down a skydiver to a safe landing speed. The skydiver needs a parachute.

2. What is the role of the parachute? Explain your reasoning.