Question

Just as the skydiver steps out of the helicopter, someone who's watching starts a stopwatch. So the time is zero as the skydiver steps out of the plane. What is the skydiver's downward velocity at that instant, just before starting to fall?

Answer 1

I know the skydiver has 9.8 m/s but do I figure this out? I also have to do it when the time is at 1, 2 and 3 seconds.

Answer 2

Here, try take a look at this: http://physics.bu.edu/~redner/211-sp06/class01/equations.html

So you have the acceleration and time, and are looking for the v. I believe you use the first equation.

But logically, since he hasn't begun to fall, v should be 0.

Answer 3

So then..wouldn't my answer be 0?

Answer 4

Yeah I would say so. (Sorry for the lack of confidence. I got discouraged in physics and trying to get back)