# A skydiver jumps from an aircraft and falls vertically 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.

> Eduqas A-Level Physics — 1.2 Forces and Newton's laws · Explain · 5 marks

> A skydiver of weight 800 N jumps from an aircraft and falls vertically downward through the air.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Weight (gravitational force) acts downward on the skydiver
2. At the start, air resistance (drag) is less than the weight, so there is a resultant force downward
3. A resultant (unbalanced) force causes the skydiver to accelerate (Newton's second law / resultant force causes acceleration)
4. As the skydiver's speed increases, air resistance (drag) increases
5. At terminal velocity, air resistance equals weight, so the resultant force is zero and the skydiver moves at constant velocity

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for Eduqas A-Level Physics](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-2c3ad949) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.