Terminal velocity explanation

GCSE · Combined Science · OCR · P2.1 — Motion: distance, displacement, speed, velocity, acceleration; distance–time and velocity–time graphs

Question

Describe and explain how the velocity of a skydiver changes from the moment they jump to when they reach terminal velocity (before opening the parachute).

[5 marks]

Mark scheme — any five from:

Initially weight > drag, so there is a net downward force (B1)
The skydiver accelerates downward (B1)
As speed increases, air resistance/drag increases (B1)
The resultant force decreases / acceleration decreases (B1)
Eventually drag = weight → resultant force = 0 (B1)
Velocity becomes constant = terminal velocity (B1)

5 marks · take your time before peeking.

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Generated by TopMyGrade AI · cross-check official sources before relying on the mark-scheme phrasing.