How does a parachute workes?

Answer 1

In simplest terms...A parachute works on the same principle that keeps a ballon inflated when you blow it up - air pressure. When air molecules are pushed together, they push back. In the case of the balloon, they push back against the elastic wall of the ballon and give it it's shape and firmness. In the case of the parachute, the air molecules push back against the underside of the parachute as it falls, slowing up its rate of descent.

When a man steps out of the plane with the parachute on his back, the chute is not yet open. Gravity acts on the man pulling him down due to weight. The air resistance and weight would be unbalanced. So this man is falling and accelerating. When the air resistance and weight is balanced the man will stop accelerating this is called terminal velocity. The speed at this time is about 120mph. The parachute opens, air resistance increased due to the chute. It acts like a brake slowing the person down. The air resistance = weight but at a slow speed until its new speed is about 15mph. The parachute can land at this safely.Thid there