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A parachutist descends to the ground at a constant speed with the parachute open - AQA - A-Level Physics - Question 25 - 2022 - Paper 1
Question 25
A parachutist descends to the ground at a constant speed with the parachute open. Which force, together with the parachutist’s weight, makes a pair according to New... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:A parachutist descends to the ground at a constant speed with the parachute open - AQA - A-Level Physics - Question 25 - 2022 - Paper 1
Step 1
Identify the forces acting on the parachutist
Answer
When the parachutist is descending at a constant speed, the forces acting on them are the gravitational force (weight) pulling them downwards and the drag force from the air acting upwards. According to Newton’s third law of motion, every action has an equal and opposite reaction.
Step 2
Analyze the correct answer choice
Answer
Given the options, the drag force acting on the parachutist from the air is the reactive force to the gravitational force (weight) pulling the parachutist downwards. Thus, the pair according to Newton's third law of motion is the gravitational force of the parachutist on the Earth and the drag force on the parachutist from the air.
Step 3