Specifying the Size of a Parachute

by Anna Douglas

Submitted : Fall 2009

This problem incorporates theories from Physics, such as displacement, velocity, and acceleration, and relates such theories through Calculus. The student's aim was to determine the drag coefficient needed to construct a parachute. First, she used formulas from Physics to first determine the terminal velocity a parachutist might reach as he/she fell to Earth and then, with this terminal velocity, she found the drag coefficient. With the drag coefficient, she was able to calculate the time it would take a parachutist to fall to Earth from a specific height. This problem demonstrates how Calculus and Physics are very important and practical when applied to real-life.

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