a paratrooper jumps out of a plane and opens her parachute shortly afterward. 10 seconds later the upward force on the parachute is 600N. The paratrooper and parachute weigh a total of 800N. What is the acceleration at this time?

Acceleration = 2.45 m/s²

Explanation:

The resultant vertical force on the paratrooper = ma = upward force - total weight of both the parachute and the

Ma = W - Fu ... Equation 1

Where Fu = upward force on the parachute, W = combined Weight of the parachute and the paratrooper

W = Mg ... Equation 2

Making M the subject of formula

M = W/g ... Equation 3

Where M = combined mass of the parachute and the paratrooper, g = acceleration due to gravity.

Given: W = 800 N, g = constant = 9.8 m/s²

Substituting these values into equation 3

W = 800/9.8

W = 81.63 kg.

Also Given: Fu = 600 N, W = 800 N

Substituting these values into equation 1

81.63a = 800 - 600

81.63a = 200

Dividing both side of the equation by the coefficient of a

81.63a/81.63 = 200/81.63

a = 2.45 m/s²

Therefore acceleration = 2.45 m/s²