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Visual science, energy (g)ravitational (33/40) Immediately on leaving the aircraft, the skydivers accelerate downwards due to the force of gravity. A heavy person does not accelerate more than a lighter person when both are freely falling! Because the greater mass offsets the equally greater force. They accelerate downwards, gaining speed second by second. This increase in speed is accompanied by increased air resistance. The air resistance counters the force of gravity. As the skydivers descend, the amount of air resistance goes up more and more until it reaches the magnitude of the force due to gravity. When the air resistance is as large as the gravitational force, a balance is struck, the skydiver stops accelerating. The skydiver has reached a terminal velocity.