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Question 3.14: Skydivers jump from a plane at intervals of a few seconds. I...

Skydivers jump from a plane at intervals of a few seconds. If two divers wish to join up as they fall, the second must catch up with the first.

a If one diver is more massive than the other, which should jump first? Use the idea of forces and terminal velocity to explain your answer.

b If both divers are equally massive, suggest what the second might do to catch up with the first.

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a The lighter one: lower terminal velocity.
b Turn head-first and pull in his arms and legs to produce a streamlined shape and reduce air resistance.

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