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Terminal Velocity (Plan and Design)

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Zerica John
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113 views4 pages

Terminal Velocity (Plan and Design)

Uploaded by

Zerica John
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Terminal velocity (plan and design)

Title: terminal velocity

Topic: Mechanics

Problem: investigate how the terminal velocity of a parachute depends upon the load, which
it carries and the diameter of the canopy

Hypothesis: If the diameter of the parachute canopy increases, the terminal velocity will
decrease. Similarly, as the load increases, the terminal velocity will increase.

Aim: To investigate the terminal velocity of a parachute

Apparatus and materials

Apparatus/Materials:

• plastic bags
• Strings.
• Weights of varying masses
• Stopwatch.
• Measuring tape.

Diagram

Diagram showing how apparatus would be set up

Procedure
1. Set up the parachute by attaching strings to the plastic bag that will be used as
the canopy, and securely tie the load to the bottom.

2.Use a measuring tape to measure and record the diameter of the parachute.

3. Begin with the smallest weight (10 g) and attach it securely to the parachute.
3. Begin with the smallest weight (10 g) and attach it securely to the parachute.

4. Choose a fixed height, like 5 meters, to drop the parachute. Ensure the height is
consistent for all trials.

5. Release the parachute from the chosen height.

6. Observe the parachute as it falls and wait until it appears to be moving at a


constant speed, indicating it has reached terminal velocity.

7. Start the stopwatch immediately as the parachute begins to fall through the
distance of terminal velocity and stop it when it reaches the end of this distance.
Record the time for the first attempt in the table.

8. Perform a second drop under the same conditions and record the time for the
second attempt in the table.

9. Compute the average of the two recorded times for that weight and canopy
diameter.

10. Use the formula to calculate velocity:

Velocity = Distance Covered / Average Time

11. Repeat (steps )for another weight, using a different plastic bag with a different
diameter. Continue until testing up to 50 g, using parachutes with different diameters
for each set.

Plot a velocity against time graph and determine the terminal velocity

Treatment of data

A table showing expected results

A graph showing expected results


Straight line

Theory:
Variables:
• Controlled Variables: the height the parachute is dropped, Material of the
parachute and strings, environmental conditions.
• Manipulated Variables: the Canopy diameter, the weight of the load
• Responding Variable: Time taken and the speed for the parachute to fall (used to
calculate terminal velocity).

Precautions:

1. Ensure the parachute is fully deployed before timing the descent.


2. Securely attach the weights to avoid detachment mid-fall.
3. Conduct the experiment in a wind-free environment.
4. Start and stop the stopwatch accurately at the correct points.
5. Perform multiple trials to improve reliability of results.
6. Use a sufficient drop height to allow stabilization of the parachute

Limitations:
1. Human reaction time introduces errors in starting and stopping the stopwatch.
2. Small air currents may affect the parachute’s motion
3. Variations in parachute material may cause slight inconsistencies.
4. A short drop height may prevent the parachute from reaching terminal velocity.
5. It is assumed terminal velocity is reached in the final measured distance.
.

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