For the experiment I will drop a paper spinner from distance of 2 metres and measure the time it takes to fall to the ground each time adding a paper clip and recording the different times. From this I will be able to see if weight affects the speed at which things fall due to the influence of gravity.
Prediction
I predict that the more paper clips added the faster the paper clip will fall. I say this because I know that the more weight added the more force will be added too.
Results
Analysis
The graph shows a significant pattern. It shows that as more weight is added the time it takes to fall decreases. I also saw that the line starts off at a steep angle and curves as the paper clips are added.
The factors I changed in this experiment was the amount of paper clips added. There are other factors, which affect the time it takes to fall; these are - changing the length and size of wingspan, using different material and the density of the air.
The reason the spinner fell to the ground at such a slow speed was because:
The air resistance moving around the spinner created it to spin.
The drag created by the wings also made a sort of parachute where air was getting beneath the wings and slowing it down
The friction of the air
The spinner started to fall fast as soon as it was released but in a split second the wings spread open and the spinner reached terminal velocity. The spinner fell to the ground at a steady speed because the forces are balanced.
Evaluation
I have gathered enough evidence to support my conclusion. I predicted that the more paper clips added the faster the paper clip would fall.
If I were to do the experiment again I would further the test by doing the experiment with different types of paper. I would do the experiment inside and outside. To further the range of answers I would change the size of the spinner and change the size of the wingspan whilst adding paper clips as well.
