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Physicsproject Output

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ayushrajput777.2004
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4 views

Physicsproject Output

Uploaded by

ayushrajput777.2004
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Objective:

The objective of this project is


to investigate and
demonstrate how the mass of
an object affects its terminal
velocity when falling through a
fluid, such as air.
Introduction:
When an object falls through a fluid, it initially accelerates
due to gravity. However, as its velocity increases, the drag
force (air resistance) also increases. Eventually, the object
reaches a constant speed known as the terminal velocity. At
this point, the force of gravity is balanced by the drag force,
and the object stops accelerating.
The key factors that affect terminal velocity are:
• Mass of the object
• Shape and size of the object
• Density of the fluid (air in this case)
• Gravitational acceleration
This project will specifically focus on how varying the mass
of an object affects its terminal velocity.
The terminal velocity of an object increases as its mass
increases, assuming that the shape and size of the object
remain constant. This is because a heavier object
experiences a greater gravitational force, which overcomes
air resistance more effectively, allowing it to reach a higher
terminal velocity.
Materials Required:
• Objects of different masses (e.g., small
metal spheres, balls of different sizes, or a
single object with adjustable weights)
• A tall structure (such as a building, tower,
or any height from which objects can be
dropped)
• A stopwatch (to measure fall time)
• A measuring tape or ruler (to measure
distance)
• A camera or video camera (optional, to
record the fall for more precise analysis)
• A surface to collect the falling objects (to
ensure safety and accuracy of measurement)
• A protractor (to measure angle, if needed)
• A scale (to measure mass)
Theory:
Terminal velocity is the constant speed that a freely falling object
eventually reaches when the resistance of the medium (air, water,
etc.) prevents further acceleration. It occurs when the downward
force of gravity is balanced by the upward drag force (air resistance).
The terminal velocity (𝑣𝑡 ) is given by the formula:

Where:

• m is the mass of the object


• g is the acceleration due to gravity
• ρ is the density of the fluid (air or water)
• A is the cross-sectional area of the object

As the mass of the object increases, its weight increases, meaning it


should theoretically reach a higher terminal velocity. However, the
drag force also increases with speed, so the relationship between
mass and terminal velocity needs to be studied experimentally.
Procedure:
1.Prepare the Objects:

• Select objects of different masses, but with the same shape and size. For
example, you could use a small spherical ball with additional weights that can
be added or removed.
2.Measure the Mass:
• Weigh each object carefully using a scale and record the mass.

3.Set Up the Falling Experiment:


• Choose a suitable height from which the objects can be dropped. Ensure it’s
high enough for the object to reach terminal velocity.
• Mark a distance to measure the fall accurately.
4.Measure the Fall Time:
• Drop each object from the same height and use a stopwatch to measure the
time it takes for the object to fall. Repeat the measurement at least 3 times for
each object and average the results.
• Record the distance fallen and the time taken to reach the ground.
5.Calculate Terminal Velocity:
• Use the formula v=dtv=td (where d is the distance fallen, and t is the time
taken) to calculate the velocity for each fall.
• Repeat the experiment for objects with different masses.
6.Plot a Graph:
• Plot a graph of terminal velocity vs. mass. The x-axis should represent the
mass of the object, and the y-axis should represent the calculated terminal
velocity.
Observations:
• Record the time taken for each
object to fall and calculate the
terminal velocity.
• Observe if the mass of the object
correlates with a higher terminal
velocity.
Results :
• After performing the experiment,
analyze the results by looking at the
relationship between mass and terminal
velocity.
• According to the theory, as the mass
of the object increases, its terminal
velocity should also increase.
• Discuss potential errors in the
experiment, such as air resistance
variations or measurement inaccuracies.
• Explain the role of air density, drag
coefficient, and the shape of the object in
the terminal velocity.
Conclusion:
• The experiment will show that the
mass of an object does affect its
terminal velocity, with heavier objects
generally reaching a higher terminal
velocity.
• This is because the force of gravity
acting on a heavier object is greater,
leading to a higher speed when the
drag force becomes equal to the
gravitational force.
Precautions:
• Ensure the height from which
objects are dropped is sufficient to
observe the full fall.
• Make sure objects have similar
shapes and are falling in the same
orientation.
• Use accurate timing devices and
ensure the stopwatch is started at the
correct time.

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