Practical Exercises

Exercise 2: Gravity and air resistance

Aim:

This experiment is to verify gravity and air resistance.

Note: After reading through these instructions, you will need to think carefully about what are you trying to determine or prove? You will need to write a specific aim in your report and use the proper report format.

Materials:

For this experiment you will need:

  • 3 pieces of A4 paper
  • Pen or pencil

Procedure:

There are 5 parts to this practical exercise.  Step through the parts on each of the slides below and record your results

Part A: Sheet vs. Sheet

Part B: Sheet vs. Ball

 Part C: Sheet Throw

Part D: Ball Throw

Part E: Ball vs. Pencil/Pen

Report:

Write up the results in a proper report format. Make sure you answer the following questions:

  • 1) Why did it take longer for the sheet of paper to hit the ground compared to the ball?
  • 2) Why was it hard to hit your target with the sheet of paper?
  • 3) Did you expect the pencil to hit the ground before the paper ball? Were you correct?
  • 4) What assumptions about gravity can you make after completing this practical?

License

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