To investigate a free-falling cone.

Equipment:

1. Meter Rule
2. Filter Paper
3. Plasticine
4. Stopwatch
5. Scotch tape
6. Scale

Diagram:

Method:

1. Fold the filter paper into the shape of a cone
2. To hold it in place, use scotch tape.
3. Measure the mass of the cone using a scale.
4. Add pieces of plasticine to the scale until the scale reads 4 grams.
5. Place the plasticine inside the cone and adjust it to fit into the cone so that it does not move around while inside the cone.
6. Hold the cone at a height of 1.5 meters above the ground and be ready with the stopwatch to time the freefall of the cone.
7. Release the cone (with the plasticine inside) from the height of 1.5 meters and record how long it takes for the cone to hit the floor.
8. Repeat this 3 times to ensure accurate results.
9. Repeat 4-7 at increasing masses of 6 grams, 8 grams, 10 grams, 12 grams and 14 grams.

Results:

Conclusion:

As the mass increases, the time taken for the cone to freefall stays the same.

Evaluation:

This experiment could be improved in various ways:

• I used a stopwatch in this experiment which cannot always give me accurate results due to the fact that its accuracy is subject to human error.

I will use light gates next time.

• The 1 meter ruler that I used in this experiment was an old ruler and hence, over the years had experienced wear and tear which in turn affected its accuracy.

I will use a more accurate ruler next time.