parachute
Definition
A parachute is a device that uses air resistance to slow the descent of an object through the atmosphere. It consists of a large, open canopy made of fabric that is attached to a harness worn by the user. When the parachute is deployed, the fabric catches the air and creates drag, which slows the descent.
The size and shape of the parachute canopy, as well as the airspeed of the object, determine the amount of drag that is created. The greater the drag, the slower the descent.
Parachutes are used to help people and objects land safely from high places. They are often used by skydivers, paratroopers, and astronauts. They can also be used to help people escape from burning buildings or sinking ships.
Parachutes are a vital safety device that has saved countless lives. They are a marvel of engineering and design, and they continue to evolve to meet the needs of modern use.
How can the word be used?
A rope that automatically deploys the parachute when a person or object falls from a great height.
Different forms of the word
Noun:
- parachute (an apparatus consisting of a large canopy of cloth attached to a harness, used to slow the descent of a person or object from a great height)
- parachutist (a person who uses a parachute)
Verb:
- to descend by parachute
- to equip with a parachute
Etymology
The word "parachute" is derived from the French word "parachute", which is a combination of the words "para" (against) and "chute" (fall). The first recorded use of the word "parachute" was in the 1780s.
Question
How does a parachute work?
AQA Science Exam Question and Answer
Question:
Explain the scientific principles behind the functioning of a parachute. How do these principles enable a parachute to slow down the descent of an object? Provide real-world examples to illustrate the importance of parachutes.
Answer:
The operation of a parachute is rooted in the principles of air resistance and gravity. When an object with a parachute is in free fall, gravity pulls it downward, accelerating it. However, the parachute acts as a drag-inducing device. As the parachute opens, it exposes a large surface area to the air. This increases air resistance, which opposes the force of gravity, leading to a slower descent.
The parachute's design, including its shape, size, and materials, influences its effectiveness. A larger surface area creates more air resistance, and materials that capture and trap air molecules enhance this resistance further.
Parachutes are essential in various scenarios. In skydiving, parachutes ensure safe landings by slowing the descent speed. Similarly, in emergency situations involving aircraft, parachutes can be deployed to safely evacuate passengers and crew. Parachutes are also pivotal in space exploration, enabling spacecraft and rovers to descend to the surface of other planets and moons with controlled speed.