To make this a fair test I have to use the same type of paper to make my spinner, in this case I am using graph paper. I have to keep the same amount of paper clips attached to the spinner, I also have to keep the height that I drop the spinner from (2.5 metres), and I also want to use the same stopwatch so it gives off the right time and at the right speed because other stopwatches may vary.
I predict that the shorter the wing length gets the faster the spinner is going to fall and reach the ground. I think this because the shorter the wing length the less surface area there is on the spinner and less friction and up-thrust. I am going to use a results table to record my data.
The safety aspects of the investigation I have to consider are:
- Make sure no-one is stood around you,
- Make sure stool is safe to stand on,
- Careful using scissors.
Spinner:
Diagram:
These were my results:
Analysing evidence: My results show that my prediction was right, the shorter the wing length the faster the spinner falls.
Graph:
The bar chart also shows the shorter the wing length gets the faster the spinner falls, as shown as positive strong correlation. There are no outliers in my graph which I am pleased about, this means there was no human error in my investigation and it was a relatively fair test. With the forces acting on the spinner if the spinner did not have attached a paper clip the speed would be a lot less and it would have taken longer for the spinner to reach the ground, though the more weight and speed the spinner has the more the friction is against it. When the wings got shorter the spinner sped up this is because with the less surface area this is less friction and less force against the wings to keep it up in the air.
Evaluation: In my opinion the methods used were reliable and easy to analyse and complete, the results I obtained are of a good standard because I achieved my aim and there weren’t any outliers. In my investigation there were no problems that I came across. The method though was suitable and easy to use but could be improved by using better materials. I think there is enough evidence to support my conclusion and my data is very reliable since there were no outliers and no wrong information and speeds given. I think my investigation was extremely successful and if I was to do this investigation again I would punch holes into the wings and see if that would change the speed and mean will change because I think that would affect the spinner’s flight due to air resistance.
