# A skydiver jumps from an aircraft and falls towards the ground. Explain why the skydiver first accelerates and then reaches a terminal velocity.

> Edexcel GCSE Physics (1PH0) — 9.1 Forces and their effects · Explain · 4 marks

> A skydiver jumps from an aircraft at high altitude and falls vertically downwards through the air.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Initially, weight is greater than air resistance (resultant force acts downwards), so the skydiver accelerates.
2. As the skydiver's speed increases, air resistance increases.
3. The resultant force decreases as air resistance increases, so acceleration decreases.
4. Terminal velocity is reached when air resistance equals weight, so the resultant force is zero and there is no acceleration.

## Key terms

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

## 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)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-skydiver-jumps-from-an-aircraft-7ad0117d) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.