AS Daily A Level Physics question
Which statement must be true when a skydiver with the parachute fully open has reached terminal velocity during descent?
Answer
The correct answer is B.
Correct: B — The upward air resistance equals the skydiver’s weight, so acceleration is zero. A says the speed is still increasing, but at terminal velocity the speed is constant. B is the only correct statement because balanced forces mean zero resultant force and hence zero acceleration. C is wrong because drag is not zero at constant speed; it balances weight. D is wrong because weight does not decrease; it is balanced by air resistance at terminal velocity.