Question

altitude (position) graphs. entire jump (0s - 540s) and end of jump (200s - 540s)
position x (altitude) (m) vs. time (s): entire jump
position x (altitude) (m) vs. time (s): end of jump
5 using the graphs:

1. determine the time when he opens his parachute.
2. explain the evidence from the graph that you used.

your answer must be in complete english sentences. answers without evidence will not receive credit.

Explanation:

1. To determine when the parachute opens, we analyze the slope of the altitude - time graph. Before the parachute opens, the skydiver is in free - fall (or a phase with a relatively steep slope as altitude decreases rapidly with time). When the parachute opens, the rate of change of altitude (the slope of the graph) changes. From the “Position x (Altitude) (m) vs. Time (s): Entire Jump” graph, we observe that around \(t = 200\) seconds, the slope of the altitude - time curve changes. Before \(t = 200\) s, the altitude is decreasing at a relatively fast rate (steeper slope), and after \(t = 200\) s, the rate of decrease of altitude slows down (less steep slope), which is consistent with the parachute opening and increasing air resistance, thus reducing the downward speed.
2. The evidence from the graph is the change in the slope of the altitude - time graph. Before the parachute opens, the skydiver is accelerating downwards (or moving downwards at a relatively high and increasing speed in free - fall, leading to a steep decrease in altitude with time). When the parachute opens, the increased air resistance causes the skydiver's downward speed to decrease, so the altitude decreases more slowly over time. This change in the rate of change of altitude (the slope) occurs around \(t = 200\) seconds, so we can conclude that the parachute opens at \(t = 200\) seconds.

Answer:

1. He opens his parachute at 200 seconds.
2. The evidence is the change in the slope of the altitude - time graph. Before 200 seconds, the altitude decreases rapidly (steeper slope) as the skydiver is in a phase with relatively high downward speed (e.g., free - fall). After 200 seconds, the altitude decreases more slowly (less steep slope) because the parachute opening increases air resistance, reducing the downward speed.