# A skydiver jumps from an aeroplane and falls downward. At first the skydiver accelerates. After some time, the skydiver reaches terminal velocity. Explain why the skydiver first accelerates and then reaches terminal velocity.

> WJEC A-Level Physics (Wales) — 1.2 Forces and Newton's laws · Explain · 5 marks

> A skydiver jumps from a stationary aeroplane at high altitude and falls vertically downward through the air.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. At the start, the weight (gravitational force) acting downward is greater than the air resistance (drag) acting upward
2. There is a resultant (net) force downward, so the skydiver accelerates downward (Newton's Second Law)
3. As the skydiver's speed increases, the air resistance (drag) increases
4. Eventually air resistance becomes equal to the weight
5. The resultant force is now zero, so the skydiver moves at a constant velocity (terminal velocity)

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for WJEC A-Level Physics (Wales)](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-skydiver-jumps-from-an-aeroplane-341f8650) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.