I timed how long it took for the cup(s) to reach terminal velocity from the 2 meter drop and found out that the 1-10 paper cups reached terminal velocity within 2meters of falling. .
Here are the preliminary results:-.
Cups Height (m) Time in (s).
1 0.2 0.3.
2 0.4 0.3.
3 0.6 0.4.
4 0.8 0.4.
5 1 0.4.
6 1.2 0.5.
7 1.4 0.8.
8 1.6 0.7.
9 1.8 0.7.
10 2 0.8.
From my preliminary experiment results I have discovered that the longer the distance the cup(s) have been dropped from the longer it takes for the cups to reach the ground hence terminal velocity happens.
Prediction.
I predict that when I drop one paper cup it reach terminal velocity before I start timing until it reaches floor level.
When I add more paper cups to the original first, I predict the total weight of the cups will mean it will travel faster before the drag is large enough to balance the total weight. I predict that the heavier it is, the faster it will fall. If 1 cup falls at 1 m/s then 5 cups might fall at 5 m/s and 10 cups will fall at 10m/s.
Reason for Prediction.
The reason behind my prediction is based of the fundamental theory of terminal velocity which is that terminal velocity depends a great deal upon the shape of the object that is facing the direction it is moving. Once an object has reached terminal velocity, the object is not accelerating (a=0), therefore it is not speeding up or slowing down. It is a constant velocity unless the driving forces or the resistive forces change. In this experiment nothing changes in the distance that the cup(s) falls from to restrict or damage the object in anyway, so if everything in the experiment goes to plan my prediction is probably right.
Apparatus .
Stop watch.
10 paper cups.
Tape measure .
Method.
I shall start my investigation by getting a partner to hold cup 1.5 metres above floor level on a two story staircase. I will position myself on the staircase so that I can see when the cup(s) reach terminal velocity (at feet level 1.