A student investigates the motion of different falling masses by measuring the time taken for a toy paper cone to fall from a high balcony.
This is the student's method:
Describe how the student should measure the time taken for the paper cone to fall from the balcony.
State the independent and dependent variables in this investigation.
State one factor that the student should keep constant in order to make their investigation valid (a fair test).
The table shows the student's results.
| Mass in g | Trial 1 (s) | Trial 2 (s) | Trial 3 (s) | Average (mean) (s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.0 | 2.15 | 2.10 | 2.08 | 2.11 |
| 8.0 | 1.62 | 1.57 | 1.55 | 1.58 |
| 12.0 | 1.39 | 1.35 | 1.34 | 1.36 |
| 16.0 | 1.25 | 1.22 | 1.21 | 1.23 |
| 20.0 | 1.18 | 1.14 | 1.13 | 1.15 |
| 24.0 | 1.15 | 1.13 | 1.09 |
Complete the table by calculating the average time for a mass of 24.0 g. Give your answer to 2 decimal places.
Describe the shape of the curve of best fit if the average fall time were plotted against mass.
The student notices that the paper cone accelerates and then falls at a constant speed.
Name the forces represented by the upward and downward arrows on the third diagram (near the ground).
Explain why the paper cone accelerates at first and then falls at a constant speed.
