What besides speed affects air resistance on a skydiver?

Answer 1

Gravity

Answer 2

Modern parachute canopies are shaped like airplane wings and fly using lift rather than air resistance. Older parachute canopies are shaped like cones or jellyfish, and work purely by drag. The moving air inflates the canopy, which then slows the parachutist down as the force of the air pushing upwards on the bottom of the canopy exceeds the weight of the jumper. Eventually, the two forces are balanced and the parachutist descends at a slow and constant speed.

Answer 3

Without air resistance, a sky diver would drop to the ground at an alarming rate in a matter of seconds. The air resistance allows the sky diver to have a much smoother ride and also for a gentler landing that is safer.