Terminal Velocity: maximum speed of an object, reached when the forces moving the object are balanced by its frictional forces
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Skydiver Terminal Velocity
Immediately on leaving the aircraft, the skydiver accelerates downwards due to the force of gravity. There is no air resistance acting in the upwards direction, and there is a resultant force acting downwards. The skydiver accelerates towards the ground.
As the skydiver gains speed, their weight stays the same but the air resistance increases. There is still a resultant force acting downwards, but this gradually decreases.
Eventually, the skydiver's weight is balanced by the air resistance. There is no resultant force and the skydiver reaches terminal velocity.
When the parachute opens, the air resistance increases. The skydiver slows down until a new, lower terminal velocity is reached.
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