Terminal velocity experiment (PAG 1.2)

Introduction

This tutorial guides you through conducting a terminal velocity experiment, which demonstrates the effects of gravity and air resistance on falling objects. Understanding terminal velocity is essential in physics, as it provides insights into motion, forces, and energy. This experiment can be performed with simple materials and is suitable for both classroom settings and at-home learning.

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

To conduct the terminal velocity experiment, you will need the following materials:

• A small, dense object (e.g., a marble or a ball bearing)
• A larger object with a different shape (e.g., a crumpled piece of paper or a feather)
• A stopwatch or timer
• A measuring tape or ruler
• A tall drop location (such as a staircase or balcony)

Practical Advice

• Ensure that the drop area is safe and free of obstacles.
• Use a soft surface to catch your objects to avoid damage.

Step 2: Measure the Drop Height

Before beginning the experiment, determine the height from which you will drop your objects.

• Use the measuring tape to measure the height.
• Record the drop height for reference in your calculations.

Practical Advice

• A height of at least 2 meters is recommended for clear results.
• Make sure the height is consistent for both objects to ensure accurate comparisons.

Step 3: Drop the First Object

Perform the experiment with the first object (the small, dense object).

1. Hold the object at the measured height.
2. Release the object without applying any force (do not throw it).
3. Start the stopwatch as you release the object.
4. Stop the timer when the object hits the ground.

Practical Advice

• Conduct multiple trials (at least three) and calculate the average time for accuracy.

Step 4: Drop the Second Object

Repeat the process with the second object (the larger, lighter object).

1. Hold the object at the same height.
2. Release it and start the timer simultaneously.
3. Stop the timer upon impact.

Practical Advice

• Again, perform several trials to ensure consistency in your data.

Step 5: Calculate Terminal Velocity

Using the recorded times and the drop height, calculate the terminal velocity for each object using the following formula:

[ v = \frac{h}{t} ]

Where:

• ( v ) is the terminal velocity
• ( h ) is the drop height
• ( t ) is the average time taken to reach the ground

Example Calculation

If the height is 2 meters and the average time for the dense object is 0.9 seconds, the calculation would be:

[ v = \frac{2}{0.9} \approx 2.22 \text{ m/s} ]

Step 6: Analyze Results

Compare the terminal velocities of both objects.

• Discuss how shape and mass affect the time taken to reach the ground.
• Consider the role of air resistance and how it differs for each object.

Practical Advice

• Create a table to organize your findings and visualize the differences.

Conclusion

Through this terminal velocity experiment, you have learned how to measure the effects of gravity and air resistance on different objects. By comparing the terminal velocities, you can gain a deeper understanding of physics concepts like force, motion, and energy. Consider further experiments by changing the drop height or using different objects to explore these principles in greater depth.