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http://weelookang.blogspot.sg/2016/08/sypt2016-workshop-materials.html

"5/6 Paper Square Drag to Terminal Velocity SYPT2016 by Tze Kwang Leong"

This study focuses on the dynamics of a 5/6 paper square falling under gravity, examining the influence of drag force, surface area, and terminal velocity. Using Tracker software, the investigation provides insights into how an even larger surface area affects the descent, stabilization, and eventual terminal velocity.

Study Guide:

Objective:

• Investigate the drag and terminal velocity of a 5/6 paper square.
• Explore the impact of increased surface area on stabilization and motion patterns during free fall.

Key Concepts:

1. Increased Drag Force:

   • The 5/6 paper square's larger surface area results in a higher drag force during descent.

2. Terminal Velocity:

   • The state of constant velocity reached when gravitational force equals drag force.

3. Stability and Fluttering:

   • Larger surfaces are more prone to oscillations and instability due to uneven air resistance.

4. Air Resistance Effects:

   • Lightweight materials like paper are significantly influenced by air resistance, with pronounced effects on larger objects.

Experiment Overview:

• Setup:
  A 5/6 paper square is dropped from a consistent height, and its motion is analyzed using high-speed video and Tracker software.

• Procedure:

  1. Drop the 5/6 paper square under controlled conditions.
  2. Record its descent with a high-speed camera.
  3. Use Tracker software to measure displacement, velocity, and stabilization patterns.
  4. Compare the findings with smaller squares in the series.

• Observation Points:

  • Time to reach terminal velocity.
  • Stabilization behavior during descent.
  • Variations in motion caused by drag.

Questions to Consider:

1. How does the 5/6 square’s larger surface area affect terminal velocity?

   • Answer: The larger surface area increases drag, leading to a lower terminal velocity and longer descent time.

2. What instability patterns are observed?

   • Answer: Fluttering, oscillations, or tumbling motions may occur due to uneven air resistance acting on the larger surface.

3. How does the descent behavior compare to smaller squares?

   • Answer: The 5/6 square experiences greater instability and takes longer to stabilize compared to smaller sizes.

4. How does Tracker software enhance this study?

   • Answer: Tracker provides precise measurements of motion variables like velocity and displacement, aiding in the analysis of descent dynamics.

5. What additional factors influence the motion of the paper square?

   • Answer: Environmental conditions, initial release orientation, and slight asymmetries in shape.

Applications:

• Physics Demonstrations: A practical example to explain air resistance and terminal velocity concepts.
• Design Insights: Findings are useful for creating drag-reliant devices like parachutes or lightweight sails.
• Educational Tools: Enhances understanding of the effects of surface area and drag force on motion.

FAQ:

1. What sets the 5/6 paper square apart from smaller squares?

   • The larger size results in significantly greater drag forces and more pronounced instability during descent.

2. What challenges arise with larger paper squares?

   • Ensuring a stable descent is difficult due to increased susceptibility to uneven drag forces.

3. How do the findings apply to real-world applications?

   • Applications include optimizing parachute designs or studying drag in aerodynamics.

4. What are the experimental limitations?

   • Variability in environmental conditions and difficulties in ensuring a perfect release can affect results.

5. Can this experiment be expanded?

   • Yes, by studying different shapes, materials, or environmental influences on the descent.