How long does it typically take an average jumper to fall 1,000 feet at terminal velocity?

When a skydiver reaches terminal velocity, they fall at a constant speed due to the balance between gravitational force pulling them downward and air resistance acting against them. For an average skydiver in a stable position, terminal velocity is typically around 120 miles per hour, which translates to roughly 54 meters per second or 180 feet per second.

To determine how long it takes to fall 1,000 feet at terminal velocity, you can use the relationship between distance, speed, and time. The formula is:

Time = Distance / Speed.

In this scenario, the distance is 1,000 feet and the speed at terminal velocity is approximately 180 feet per second.

Calculating the time gives:

Time = 1,000 feet / 180 feet per second ≈ 5.56 seconds.

This approximation aligns closely with the choice of 5.5 seconds. The reasoning is based on understanding how terminal velocity affects free fall and calculating time over a given distance accordingly.