# A parachutist jumps from a stationary helicopter and falls vertically downwards. After a short time, the parachutist opens their parachute and eventually reaches terminal velocity. Explain the energy transfers that occur from the moment the parachutist leaves the helicopter until they reach terminal velocity.

> Edexcel A-Level Physics (9PH0) — 2.3 Energy and work done · Explain · 5 marks

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. The parachutist has gravitational potential energy (GPE) at the start / GPE decreases as the parachutist falls
2. GPE is transferred to kinetic energy (KE) as the parachutist accelerates downwards
3. Work is done against air resistance / drag force, transferring energy to the surroundings as thermal energy (heat)
4. When the parachute opens, the drag force increases significantly, so more work is done against air resistance per unit distance fallen
5. At terminal velocity, the rate of energy transferred from GPE equals the rate of energy dissipated as thermal energy / no energy is transferred to KE (KE is constant)

## Key terms

- [terminal velocity](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/terminal-velocity)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Edexcel A-Level Physics (9PH0)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-parachutist-jumps-from-a-stationary-ebfb6dbc) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.