alleryStart learning →Two skydivers of different mass fall in the same posture. Which reaches the greater terminal velocity?
AThe lighter one, always
BBoth reach the same speed
CNeither, they never settle
DThe heavier one, always
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: D. The heavier one, always
1. Terminal velocity is reached when drag has grown to match weight.
2. A heavier skydiver has a greater weight for drag to match.
3. Since drag rises with speed, that larger weight is only matched at a higher speed.
4. So the heavier skydiver falls faster once both have settled.
_Source: OpenStax College Physics (CC BY 4.0), Ch 5 "Further Applications of Newton's Laws: Friction, Drag, and Elasticity", section 5.2 Drag Forces_
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