An airplane pilot fell 350m after jumping from an aircraft without his parachute

Question

An airplane pilot fell 350m after jumping from an aircraft without his parachute opening. He landed in a snowbank, creating a crater 1.5m deep, but survived with only minor injuries. Assuming the pilot's mass was 79kg and his terminal velocity was 37m/s .

Part A

Estimate the work done by the snow in bringing him to rest.

Express your answer using two significant figures.

Part B

Estimate the magnitude of the average force exerted on him by the snow to stop him.

Express your answer using two significant figures.

Part C

Estimate the work done on him by air resistance as he fell.

Express your answer using two significant figures.

Explanation / Answer

a) W = dKE = -0.5*79*37^2= -54076 J = 5.4E4 J

b) v^2 = v0^2 + 2 a x

0 = 37^2 + 2*a*1.5

a=-456.33

F = ma = 79*456= 3.6E4 N

c) W = dE = 1/2 mv^2 - m g h = 0.5*79*37^2 - 79*9.81*350=-2.2E5 J

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