Why do parachutes slow falling?
Show answer & explanation
Answer: Air resistance increases greatly
Air resistance increases greatly ✓ — Correct! Drag force = ½ρv²CdA where ρ=air density, v=velocity, Cd=drag coefficient, A=area. Parachute massively increases surface area A—drag increases proportionally! Without parachute: small area, reaches terminal velocity ~120 mph (53 m/s). With parachute: huge area, terminal velocity drops to ~15 mph (7 m/s)—survivable! Air resistance balances gravity—constant speed descent. Larger parachute = slower descent. Design: canopy shape optimizes drag and stability!
Parachute creates vacuum above — Wrong. No vacuum. Parachute traps air underneath creating drag (air resistance), while air flows around creating turbulence—both slow fall.
Wind pushes parachute upward — Wrong. No upward wind force (unless thermal updraft). Parachute slows through air resistance—large surface area creates massive drag opposing gravity.