# A skydiver jumps from an aircraft and falls towards the ground. Initially, the skydiver accelerates rapidly. After some time, the skydiver reaches a constant velocity known as terminal velocity. Explain why the skydiver first accelerates and then reaches terminal velocity.

> OCR GCSE Physics A: Gateway Science (J249) — P2.3 Forces in action · Explain · 4 marks

> A skydiver of mass 80 kg jumps from an aircraft at high altitude and falls freely before opening a parachute.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Initially, the weight (gravitational force) is greater than the air resistance / drag force
2. There is a resultant / unbalanced force downwards, so the skydiver accelerates (Newton's First/Second Law)
3. As speed increases, air resistance / drag increases
4. Terminal velocity is reached when air resistance equals weight / forces are balanced / resultant force is zero, so there is no more acceleration

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for OCR GCSE Physics A: Gateway Science (J249)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-skydiver-jumps-from-an-aircraft-14b6ce28) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.