How does a Parachute Work?

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When a parachute opens, its canopy opens out above the parachutist, pulling against the air and making the fall slow. The parachute is packed carefully with a pilot chute that pulls out the main canopy. The air resistance of the canopy cancels out the weight of the parachutist. The parachutist then falls at a constant speed and strikes the ground at about four metres per second which is same as jumping from a one metre high wall. As the parachutist lands, he or she pulls a quick-release catch.

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