A student investigates the factors that affect the average speed of a falling object in air.

Plan an experiment which will enable her to investigate the effect of mass on the average speed at which a paper cupcake case falls through the air.

You are not required to carry out the experiment.

The apparatus available includes:

• a large supply of identical paper cupcake cases (which can be nested/stacked inside one another to increase mass without significantly changing the shape or surface area)
• a metre rule or measuring tape
• a pencil or sticky notes to mark heights on a wall

In your plan, you should:

• state clearly the independent variable and how it will be varied
• list any additional apparatus needed
• state any key variables to be kept the same (controlled variables)
• explain how to carry out the investigation, including the measurements to be made and any precautions that must be taken to ensure reliable results
• explain how to use the readings to reach a conclusion.

You may draw a diagram if it helps to explain your plan.