Question

A typical parachute jump involves individuals exiting an aircraft anywhere from
1 000 to 4 000 metres altitude. When the parachute opens (usually fully inflated
by 800 metres), the descent of the jumper decreases from a terminal velocity of
approximately 190 kilometres per hour to approximately 30 kilometres per hour.

Answer 1

Sam is watching his friend Elli descend during a jump. With the toggles on her
parachute, Elli is controlling a portion of her descent such that she approaches
the landing zone vertically. Sam is 40 m from the landing zone. Determine the
rate, in radians per second, at which the angle of elevation from Sam to Elli is
decreasing when Elli is 30 m above the landing zone.

Answer 2

theta = tan^-1(h/40)