# Explain why a skydiver reaches a terminal velocity before opening their parachute.

> AQA GCSE Physics (8463) — 4.5.6 Forces and motion · Explain · 4 marks

> A skydiver jumps from an aircraft and falls towards the ground. After a period of acceleration, the skydiver reaches a constant speed called terminal velocity.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Initially the resultant force is downwards (weight greater than air resistance / air resistance is zero at the start)
2. As the skydiver accelerates, air resistance increases
3. The resultant force decreases as air resistance increases
4. At terminal velocity the resultant force is zero because weight equals air resistance, so the skydiver moves at constant speed

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA GCSE Physics (8463)](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)

---
Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-a-skydiver-reaches-a-a6db25b9) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.