Question

Why does a parachute make a person to fall slower than when the person is freefalling?

Answer 1

We know that fluids apply a frictional force called drag force when an object is moving through them. Also, fluids apply drag in the direction opposite to the direction of motion of the object.
(1 mark)
When a person with a parachute is falling, drag acts in the upward direction.
(0.5 mark)
Because of the opposite drag force applied by the wind, the speed of the person decreases and falls slower.
(0.5 mark)