A
parachute is a device used to slow the motion of an object through an
atmosphere by creating
drag (or in the case of ram-air parachutes, aerodynamic
lift). Parachutes are usually made out of light, strong cloth, originally
silk, now most commonly
nylon. Depending on the situation, parachutes are used with a variety of loads, including people, food, equipment,
space capsules, and bombs.