Question

A skydiver jumps from an airplane at an altitude of 2,500 ft. He falls under the force of gravity until he opens his parachute at an altitude of 1000 ft. Approximately how long does the jumper fall before he opens his chute?

Answer 1

The skydiver falls for approximately 10.02 seconds before opening his parachute.

Step-by-step explanation:

To calculate the time it takes for the skydiver to fall before opening his parachute, we need to determine the time interval when he falls freely and his speed. Here's how:

1. From the information given, the skydiver falls from an altitude of 2,500 ft to 1,000 ft before opening his parachute.
2. Converting the altitude to meters, we have 2,500 ft = 762 m and 1,000 ft = 305 m.
3. Using the equation h = 0.5gt^2 (where h is the height, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and t is time), we can solve for t.
4. For the first part of the fall, from 2,500 ft to 1,000 ft, the equation becomes 762 = 0.5(9.8)t^2.
5. Solving for t, we get t = √(2 * 762 / 9.8).
6. Plugging in the values, t ≈ 10.02 seconds.

Therefore, the skydiver falls for approximately 10.02 seconds before opening his parachute.

Answer 2

at an altitude of 1,500 feet.