Physics of Skydiving

Acceleration.....

Galileo demonstrated that an object falling only under the influence of gravity will experience a constant acceleration, i.e.., it gains the same amount of velocity for every additional second that it falls. (5)

On earth this amounts to 32.14 ft/sec/sec, meaning that it increases its downward velocity by 32.14 ft/sec for each second that it falls.

If acceleration is constant, then it follows that the downward velocity V an object experiences at any time t after the start of the fall is given by:

V=g t

where V=velocity (m/sec)

t=time (sec)

g=acceleration due to gravity

One can also show that the distance d fallen after time t is:

d= 1/2 gt^2

where d=distance fallen (ft)

g=12.54 ft/sec/sec for Mars

t=time (sec)

Furthermore, Galileo discovered that this acceleration is independent of the body's mass, but dependent only on the strength of gravity on the planet. So, in the absence of an atmosphere, heavy things don't fall faster than light things, but at moderate to large velocities even a thin atmosphere can have a significant effect on a falling body's motion due to the effects of aerodynamic drag. (5)

Freefall...

When in freefall, a skydiver with arms and legs outstretched falls at about 120 mi/hr, with the arms in and the body in more of a diving position, the skydiver can reach speeds of up to 200 mi/hr. At this speed, many people believe that it is impossible to breath. Well, it is not impossible, but the truth is, you don't even need to breath because enough oxygen is absorbed through your skin to provide the blood cells with the required oxygen.

This is also why jumpers do not jump on cloudy days or when they might risk going through clouds. The moisture in the clouds can condense on their exposed skin surfaces preventing the absorption of the necessary oxygen resulting in suffocation. (2)

How fast do you fall?

When you leave the aircraft, you are moving horizontally at the same speed as the aircraft, typically 90-110MPH. During the first 10 seconds, a skydiver accelerates up to about 115-130MPH straight down. (A tandem pair uses a drouge chute to keep them from falling much faster than this). It is possible to change your body position to vary your rate of fall.