Presenter Information

Hunter Archibald, Bates College

Event Website

http://www.bates.edu/mt-david-summit.xml

Start Date

1-4-2011 1:45 PM

End Date

1-4-2011 3:00 PM

Description

A skydiver takes a deep breath and hurls himself out of the plane. As he hurtles toward Earth he accelerates until he can go no faster. This speed, called terminal velocity, occurs when the downward force of gravity equals the upward force of drag. Air resistance, air pressure, and a skydiver's daring all influence how fast he can go. Calculus is used in this project to investigate terminal velocity of falling objects.

 
Apr 1st, 1:45 PM Apr 1st, 3:00 PM

Terminal Velocity: The Physics of Skydiving

A skydiver takes a deep breath and hurls himself out of the plane. As he hurtles toward Earth he accelerates until he can go no faster. This speed, called terminal velocity, occurs when the downward force of gravity equals the upward force of drag. Air resistance, air pressure, and a skydiver's daring all influence how fast he can go. Calculus is used in this project to investigate terminal velocity of falling objects.

http://scarab.bates.edu/mt_david_summit/MDS2011/02Poster/16