My First Time Sky Diving!!!!
By Hannah29
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Although the title might be quite deceiving, for I have never been skydiving, it's an interesting topic that involves loads of physics! The most obvious component of physics here is the force of gravity. Without gravity, a skydiver would simply float upward instead of being pulled toward earth's center. As a person free falls, they accelerate due to gravity at a rate of 9.81 m/s^2. There is also the force of air resistance that counters gravity. Air resistance can also be considered a force of friction because it counters and slows down another force (just not traditional friction for there is nothing physical that we can see). When this force becomes equal to gravity, something known as terminal speed is reached. By using kinematic equations, we can analyze things like the speed at which someone falls or how fast they are going right before they hit the ground. This type of data instigates the question; why can a parachute prevent someone from falling essentially to their death? Well, the shape and size of the parachute creates more air drag. So if you release the mechanism at the proper time, there is enough time to allow air drag to increase, slowing down the momentum and velocity at which someone falls. Another cool part about skydiving that incorporates physics is the idea that someone can do tricks and different movements while in motion in air. By contouring one's body in different ways, the direction of air drag is changed which allows the actual body to move. Maybe someday instead of light shows in the sky, we can have people shows from skydiving!!! 
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