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

> Eduqas GCSE Physics — 3.1 Forces and their interactions · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. At the start, the weight (gravitational force) acting downwards is greater than the air resistance (drag) acting upwards
2. A resultant (net) downward force causes the skydiver to accelerate downwards
3. As speed increases, air resistance (drag) increases
4. At terminal velocity, air resistance equals weight, so the resultant force is zero and the skydiver moves at a constant velocity

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for Eduqas GCSE 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-ce7d4a2f) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.