# A skydiver jumps from an aeroplane and falls vertically downwards. At first, the skydiver accelerates. After some time, the skydiver reaches terminal velocity. Explain why the skydiver's acceleration decreases and eventually becomes zero as the skydiver falls.

> Edexcel GCSE Physics (1PH0) — 2.2 Forces and motion · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. As the skydiver speeds up, air resistance (drag) increases
2. The resultant force on the skydiver decreases as air resistance increases
3. Because the resultant force decreases, the acceleration decreases
4. At terminal velocity, air resistance equals weight (gravity), so the resultant force is zero and acceleration is zero

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for Edexcel GCSE Physics (1PH0)](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-fbb2540a) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.