Physics SL
Physics SL
5
Chapters
329
Notes
Theme A - Space, Time & Motion
Theme A - Space, Time & Motion
Theme B - The Particulate Nature Of Matter
Theme B - The Particulate Nature Of Matter
Theme C - Wave Behaviour
Theme C - Wave Behaviour
Theme D - Fields
Theme D - Fields
Theme E - Nuclear & Quantum Physics
Theme E - Nuclear & Quantum Physics
IB Resources
Theme A - Space, Time & Motion
Physics SL
Physics SL

Theme A - Space, Time & Motion

Understanding Air Resistance: The Record-Breaking Skydive Of Alan Eustace

Word Count Emoji
685 words
Reading Time Emoji
4 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 5th Nov 2024

Table of content

Sure, let's dive into the exciting world of physics and take on the skydiving adventure to understand air resistance and drag force! Hang on tight, we're about to plunge into this topic together!

Introduction to drag force

  • Definition: The drag force is what objects experience when they move through air (or other fluids). It slows objects down.
  • Effect: Imagine trying to run underwater. You feel a force holding you back. That's a form of drag force!

Air resistance – a real-life example with skydiving

  • Alan Eustace's Record Jump: In 2014, he jumped from 41.4km above New Mexico, USA, reaching a speed of 1300km/h, faster than the speed of sound. Normal skydives are less than 200km/h.
  • Why the Difference in Speed? Air resistance changes with height. The higher you are, the less air there is, and the less air resistance you experience.

Forces acting on a skydiver

  • Weight Force: Acts vertically downwards, and it's almost constant. It doesn't change much even at 41 km above Earth's surface.
  • Drag Force: Acts in the opposite direction of motion. If falling vertically, drag pulls you upwards.
  • Buoyancy: An upward force due to the displacement of air by the diver.

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IB Resources
Theme A - Space, Time & Motion
Physics SL
Physics SL

Theme A - Space, Time & Motion

Understanding Air Resistance: The Record-Breaking Skydive Of Alan Eustace

Word Count Emoji
685 words
Reading Time Emoji
4 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 5th Nov 2024

Table of content

Sure, let's dive into the exciting world of physics and take on the skydiving adventure to understand air resistance and drag force! Hang on tight, we're about to plunge into this topic together!

Introduction to drag force

  • Definition: The drag force is what objects experience when they move through air (or other fluids). It slows objects down.
  • Effect: Imagine trying to run underwater. You feel a force holding you back. That's a form of drag force!

Air resistance – a real-life example with skydiving

  • Alan Eustace's Record Jump: In 2014, he jumped from 41.4km above New Mexico, USA, reaching a speed of 1300km/h, faster than the speed of sound. Normal skydives are less than 200km/h.
  • Why the Difference in Speed? Air resistance changes with height. The higher you are, the less air there is, and the less air resistance you experience.

Forces acting on a skydiver

  • Weight Force: Acts vertically downwards, and it's almost constant. It doesn't change much even at 41 km above Earth's surface.
  • Drag Force: Acts in the opposite direction of motion. If falling vertically, drag pulls you upwards.
  • Buoyancy: An upward force due to the displacement of air by the diver.

Unlock the Full Content! File Is Locked Emoji

Dive deeper and gain exclusive access to premium files of Physics SL. Subscribe now and get closer to that 45 🌟