Controlled Parachute Research

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Variables

Controlled Variables

Variable Why it was controlled? How it was controlled?
Mass attached for all parachutes It was controlled because the initial downward force had to be kept constant so air resistance will be the only factor. It was controlled by using the same 2 50g (0.05kg) bolt for each parachute, and all bolts were weighed on a mass balance
Height of drop The height at which all the parachutes is dropped is kept constant because at higher heights the mass would have higher potential energy because GPE=mgh, but the only testing factor is air resistance so it would be unfair to drop some parachutes at higher heights as the have more time to increase air resistance. This was controlled by attaching a ruler to the drop site so …show more content…

The variation in the flow of air in the room caused parachute to land on slightly different places in different trials due to variation in the drag force experienced by the parachute. The movement of air and hence its effects cannot be controlled but could be lessened by blocking the air from outside. It is important to shut down doors and windows of the room and closing down the fan prior to the experiment.

Dependent Variable

The variable that will be measured is rate at which terminal velocity is reached. This will be done by timing and videoing the drop for each parachute, making markers for different heights, and calculate the acceleration at each marker. By doing this I will be able to identify the rate of decrease in vertical acceleration and how fast the object will reach terminal velocity. Thus answering the question and identifying the best shape of parachutes for different situations.

Independent Variable

The variable that will be changed in the experiment is the shape of the parachute used. However, the surface area, mass attached to the parachute and type of material used will be kept constant. This will ensure that the only altering factor is the shape of the

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