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📘 How does a parachute slow a fall?

Follow drag, canopy area, airflow, suspension lines, and terminal speed through a descent.

lessons

~10 min

to learn

🔬 Science

subject

Adults

level

Start the course →

What you’ll learn

Before opening
Canopy area
Inflation
Drag force
Terminal speed
Suspension lines
Steering
Porosity
Landing
The complete descent

Questions this course answers

Why does a parachute slow a falling object?

A large canopy produces much more aerodynamic drag opposing the fall.

What is terminal velocity?

Balanced upward drag and downward weight produce a steady descent speed.

Why are suspension lines important?

Lines carry aerodynamic loads and keep the canopy attached and oriented.

What does porosity affect?

Designed openings change airflow and the balance between drag and stability.

Why does reducing descent speed greatly reduce landing energy?

Lower speed substantially reduces the energy that must be dissipated at landing.

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