AP · AP C:M · extended response
Why a parachute opens before the new terminal speed
AP Physics C: Mechanics · Original GioPhysics question with a detailed, mark-by-mark answer guide.
- Demand
- discriminating
- Marks
- 6
- Topics
- 1
- Answer
- Complete
Drag before the parachute opens
Supplied question data. Read the labelled axes and use the observations to test the physical model.
Vertical axis (y): Upward drag / N
Horizontal axis (x): Speed / m s⁻¹
Read the exact data as a table
| Speed / m s⁻¹ | Upward drag / N |
|---|---|
| 0 | 0 |
| 2 | 2 |
| 4 | 8 |
| 6 | 18 |
| 8 | 32 |
These are the supplied values, not a worked answer. No fitted trend is drawn.
Choose your AP course · School year 2026–27 · May 2027 exam
Choose a course to check this question’s reviewed parts and required depth. Its original AP label and topic codes do not establish suitability for the current syllabus.
Choose reviewed AP practice →A 2.0 kg falling package has weight 20 N. Downward is positive. Before a parachute opens, drag follows the supplied measured speed–force data. After opening, drag at every speed is four times the previous value. Use the evidence to infer the drag model over this range. Supplied data (Speed / m s⁻¹; Upward drag / N): (0, 0), (2, 2), (4, 8), (6, 18), (8, 32).
- (a)
Infer the drag relationship, find both terminal speeds, and determine the acceleration immediately after opening at 6 m s⁻¹.
3 marks - (b)
Explain why the package does not instantaneously jump to its new terminal speed, and evaluate the model as it slows.
3 marks
Ready to self-mark?Reveal the detailed answer guide
(a)
Infer the drag relationship, find both terminal speeds, and determine the acceleration immediately after opening at 6 m s⁻¹.
Build a chain of claim, evidence and physics reasoning. Address more than one relevant factor, identify a limitation or assumption, and finish with a conclusion that is conditional on the evidence rather than absolute.
- 1
Each nonzero data pair gives D/v² = 0.50 N s² m⁻², supporting quadratic drag over the measured range.
- 2
Before opening, terminal motion requires 0.50v² = 20, giving √40 m s⁻¹. After opening D = 2.0v², giving √10 m s⁻¹.
- 3
At 6 m s⁻¹ just after opening, drag is 72 N upward. Net force is 20−72 = −52 N, so a = −52/2 = −26 m s⁻².
(b)
Explain why the package does not instantaneously jump to its new terminal speed, and evaluate the model as it slows.
Build a chain of claim, evidence and physics reasoning. Address more than one relevant factor, identify a limitation or assumption, and finish with a conclusion that is conditional on the evidence rather than absolute.
- 1
The package initially still moves downward; the upward acceleration changes its velocity over time rather than resetting it.
- 2
As it slows, drag falls and the upward resultant becomes smaller, approaching zero at the new terminal speed.
- 3
The fourfold-drag model assumes the canopy is fully inflated. Inflation time, air density and oscillation can invalidate it during the opening transient.
Complete marking guidance
Use these worked steps alongside the part-by-part answers. They explain the method and mark allocation; they do not add extra marks.
- Each nonzero data pair gives D/v² = 0.50 N s² m⁻², supporting quadratic drag over the measured range.
- Before opening, terminal motion requires 0.50v² = 20, giving √40 m s⁻¹. After opening D = 2.0v², giving √10 m s⁻¹.
- At 6 m s⁻¹ just after opening, drag is 72 N upward. Net force is 20−72 = −52 N, so a = −52/2 = −26 m s⁻².
- The package initially still moves downward; the upward acceleration changes its velocity over time rather than resetting it.
- As it slows, drag falls and the upward resultant becomes smaller, approaching zero at the new terminal speed.
- The fourfold-drag model assumes the canopy is fully inflated. Inflation time, air density and oscillation can invalidate it during the opening transient.
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