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Experiment to investigate the Speed of a paper Helicopter

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Downloads to date: N/A | Words: 537 | Submitted: 22-Jun-2011
Spelling accuracy: 99.3% | Number of pages: 4 | Filetype: Word .doc

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An experiment on the physics of a paper spinner.

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Experiment to investigate the Speed of a paper Helicopter
1.00 - Aim
To conduct a series of experiments that show how one variable, which has been changed, (the input or independent variable) effects another variable (the output, or dependent variable) for a paper helicopter (spinner).

1.1 – Success Criteria
My investigation will be a success if I can find a relationship between two variables and understand the science that has caused it to happen.

2.00 – Preliminary Practical Work
First, after the teacher showed us, I tried out my own spinner. I used paper for the spinner, and the paper clips are a series of metal masses. The idea was to investigate the change in mass that caused the spinners to fall at different speeds.
I had choice over the wingspan, and height of the spinner. The spinner was made from standard A4 paper, cut to size. I also had to choose how many paper clips to attach. I wanted a spinner that would spin as it fell with 1-6 paper clips attached at the bottom. First I tried a very small spinner, but it only worked for 1-3 paper clips. Next I tried a medium sized spinner, and it worked with 1-6 paper clips, which was the target.
2.1 – Conclusions to Preliminary Practical Work
I have decided that my independent variable will be the number of paperclips attached. I will vary this from 1-6 paper clips.
I will have the following control variables:
Height of Spinner:
Wingspan:
Wing Length:
3.0 – Hypotheses
I think that as I increase the number of paperclips, the time it takes for it to hit the ground will decrease.
4.0 – Background Science
When an object falls, it is going through air molecules. The air hits the object, which causes it to fall slower. I think my spinner will do exactly the same.
The mass of the paper clips at the bottom of the spinner exerts a downward force on the spinner. The size of this downward force is due to the gravity of the Earth and is called weight. The weight is constant. However, the length and width of the wing will decrease the force of the weight. The paper clips are pulling the spinner down, but the air is hitting the wings, this causes the spinner to fall slower. But the greater the weight, the less effect the air has when it hits the object. Like a parachute, the man’s weight is pulling him down through the air, but lots of air hits the parachute, and gets caught inside, slowing his descent. I think the wings on my spinner will slow its descent, but when I add more paper clips, the air will have less effect, and the spinner will fall faster.

5.0 – Equipment
1 paper spinner.
6 paper clips.
Stopwatch ...

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