Question

A 1,198 N sky diver has opened his parachute to slow his descent to a constant speed the parachute applies 1,277 N of force. He experiences a 7.5 m/s2 deceleration. What is the mass of the sky diver?

Answer 1

Answer:

The mass of the skydiver is 10.53 kg.

Explanation:

Force of the sky diver acting downwards due to gravity  =   1198 N

Force of the parachute acting upwards against gravity  =   1,277 N

Net Up word Force  = F Upwards - F downwards

                                 =1,277 N  -  1198 N  = 79 N

Deceleration  on the parachute  = 7.5m/s2

⇒ Acceleration  = - 7.5 m / s2

Now, FORCE = MASS x ACCELERATION

or, 79 N  =  M x (7.5 m /s2)

⇒ M  = 79/7.5  = 10 . 53 kg

or, mass  = 10.53 kg

Hence, the mass of the skydiver is 10.53 kg.