Gravity: Plan a Fair Drop Test

Use repeated trials to compare two shapes of the same paper.

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5 questions0m 0s

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Change paper shape while keeping the sheet, drop height, release method and indoor conditions alike. Repeat each shape. Record observations before deciding what they mean. These practice times are invented.

Worked example

Flat-sheet times: 1.1, 1.2, 1.0 seconds. Crumpled-sheet times: 0.5, 0.4, 0.5 seconds. Every flat trial lasted longer here, but small timing differences can also come from release and measurement.

A flat paper sheet and the same paper crumpled are shown in still air. Downward gravity and upward air resistance act on falling paper.

Would you believe it?

On Apollo 15, a hammer and a feather released together reached the Moon surface together. Essentially no air was there to slow the feather.

NASA: the hammer and feather

Question 1 Which variable is deliberately changed? Paper shape Drop height Number of sheets

Question 2 Which set took longer in every listed trial? Crumpled sheet They were identical Flat sheet

Question 3 Why repeat the drops? To guarantee identical numbers To notice variation and check the pattern To make gravity get tired

Question 4 Which conclusion is supported by these data? The flat shape took longer in this test All heavy things always fall faster There is no gravity indoors

Question 5 Which change makes the comparison less fair? Using the same sheet Keeping the floor area clear Throwing one shape while releasing the other

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