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This experiment aims to investigate how different shapes of parachutes affect the speed of a falling object.
The study hypothesizes that the circular parachute would result in the slowest falling speed when compared to rectangular and square parachutes, assuming constant variables such as weight, height, material, and surface area. The experiment involved dropping a 5.6-gram weight from an 8-meter height with various parachute shapes, measuring the time of descent and calculating velocity. The results showed that the rectangular parachute had the slowest descent speed, contrary to the initial hypothesis.
The purpose of this experiment is to examine the influence of parachute shape on the speed of a falling object. Parachutes are essential tools in various fields, from recreational skydiving to cargo delivery and scientific research. Understanding how different parachute shapes affect descent speed is valuable in optimizing parachute design for specific applications. This study specifically investigates the effect of parachute shape on the speed of a falling 5.6-gram weight when dropped from a height of 8 meters.
What impact does the shape of the parachute have on reducing the speed of a falling object?
In this experiment, it is hypothesized that when a 5.6-gram weight is dropped from an 8-meter height, the circular parachute will result in the slowest falling speed compared to rectangular and square parachutes.
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This hypothesis is based on the assumption that all other variables, such as weight, height, material, and surface area of the parachutes, remain constant. The circular parachute is expected to experience greater air resistance due to its larger surface area, resulting in a slower descent.
| Material | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Thin Paper | 2 sheets |
| Scissors | 1 pair |
| Ruler | 1 |
| Compass | 1 |
| Protractor | 1 |
| 10g Weight | 1 |
| Stopwatch | 1 |
| String | 6 pieces |
| Pencil | 1 |
| Scientific Calculator | 1 |
| Hazard | Risk | Precaution |
|---|---|---|
| Sharp Objects | Scissors are sharp and may cause injury. | Handle scissors with care. |
| Falling Objects | Potential head trauma if an object falls on someone. | Maintain a safe distance from falling objects. |
| Falling | Falling from heights can be dangerous. | Exercise caution when handling and dropping parachutes. |
For the circular parachute, make incisions at equally spaced points along the circumference.
The following table displays the raw data and the averages of the time (s) it takes for a 5.6g weight to fall from an 8m height with different shaped parachutes:
| Parachute Shape | Trial 1 (s) | Trial 2 (s) | Trial 3 (s) | Average (Mean) Time (s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rectangle | 3.63 | 4.22 | 4.10 | 3.98 |
| Circle | 3.73 | 5.56 | 5.96 | 5.08 |
| Square | 4.99 | 4.79 | 4.74 | 4.84 |
The table below shows the calculated speed (velocity) of a 5.6g weight falling from an 8m height with different shaped parachutes:
| Parachute Shape | Speed (Velocity) (m/s²) |
|---|---|
| Rectangle | 2.01 |
| Circle | 1.65 |
| Square | 1.57 |
The results indicate that the rectangular parachute had the slowest descent speed, with an average velocity of 2.01 m/s². The circular parachute had the second slowest descent speed, with an average velocity of 1.65 m/s², while the square parachute had the fastest descent speed, with an average velocity of 1.57 m/s².
The initial hypothesis proposed that the circular parachute would result in the slowest falling speed due to its larger surface area. However, the experimental results did not support this hypothesis. The rectangular parachute, despite having the same surface area, exhibited the slowest descent speed. This unexpected outcome suggests that factors other than surface area, such as shape and air resistance, played a significant role in determining the parachute's performance. Further investigation is needed to understand these factors in more detail.
The method used in this experiment provided a reliable approach to collect data on the impact of parachute shape on falling object speed. It specified the procedures for conducting trials and calculating velocity. However, there is room for improvement in the method. For instance, providing the formulas to calculate the surface area of each parachute shape and the measurements used to create the shapes would enhance the clarity of the procedure. Additionally, the experiment could benefit from conducting more trials (e.g., five trials instead of three) to increase the accuracy of the results.
In conclusion, the hypothesis that the circular parachute would result in the slowest falling speed was not supported by the experimental results. The rectangular parachute exhibited the slowest descent speed, indicating that factors beyond surface area played a significant role in parachute performance. These findings highlight the complexity of parachute design and the need for further research to understand the interplay of variables affecting parachute performance.
The experiment had several limitations that may have influenced the results:
Impact of Parachute Shape on Falling Object Speed. (2024, Jan 06). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/document/impact-of-parachute-shape-on-falling-object-speed
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