An oceanographic sensor probe is deployed from a research ship into a deep ocean trench.
The probe is fitted with three identical hydrodynamic braking cones to control its descent rate.
After a certain depth, the probe descends through the water at a constant speed. State the name given to this constant speed.
Explain, in terms of forces and acceleration, why this speed remains constant.
On a subsequent launch, an identical probe is deployed but only two of its three braking cones successfully open. Explain how the final constant descent speed of this probe compares to that of the first probe.
In a different engineering scenario, a military jet deploys a deceleration parachute immediately upon touchdown on a short runway to assist its wheel brakes. Explain what would happen to the stopping distance of the jet if the deceleration parachute failed to deploy.
