Essay On Terminal Velocity

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The Effect of Mass on Terminal Velocity Introduction Objects, falling, experience a state known as terminal velocity after a set amount of time. While falling, objects are subject to driving forces (gravity), which enhance velocity, and resistance or drag forces (air resistance), which counter the driving force(gravity). As the object moves faster and faster, the air resistance increases. Thus, causing the object to reach a maximum velocity, where the drag force is equal to the driving force. This constant, high attainable velocity is known as terminal velocity. In this experiment, I will be examining the effect of the mass of muffin cases in free fall. Variables In this experiment, I will be examining the effect of the mass of falling muffin cases. Mass of the object dropped is the…show more content…
Hypothesis If the weight of the object dropped is increased, then the time it takes to reach terminal velocity will also increase. If the weight of the object dropped increases and the height stays the same, the time needed to reach terminal velocity will increase proportionately. I believe this because as the mass of an object increases, the object accerlates for a longer time because of the driving force (gravity) has more of an effect in this situation. Thus, more resistive or drag force (air resistance) is required to reach terminal velocity and that demands more time. In basic terms, a greater mass = greater downwards force, so a greater upwards force would be needed in order to reach terminal velocity. In summation, an object falling at a greater speed needs a greater resistive force in order to reach terminal velocity. This greater force can be achieved after a greater amount of time. Materials 6 muffin cases, “PASCO Capstone”, a laptop, a motion sensor, a balance, 2 metric stick Method

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