Air Resistance Lab

Determine the mathematical relationship between force of drag and speed.

coffee filter, motion detector and computer

The first task will be to determine the mathematical relationship between Fd and speed. To do this you will need to measure the terminal speed for different number of falling coffee filters.

The mass of a single coffee filter is far less than the precision of our classroom balance. Since we are looking for a general relationship, we will define the weight of one coffee filter to equal an arbitrary value.

Have your teacher check your drag relationship before proceeding to Task 2.

Determine the coefficient of drag.

Linearize the relationship to determine the value of the coefficient of drag.

To linearize the graph manipulate either the x-variable or the y-variable according to the regression to produce a linear graph.

To linearize the graph manipulate either the x-variable or the y-variable according to the regression to produce a linear graph.

Record your value of coefficient of drag and drag force equation.

Have your teacher check your coefficient of drag and drag force equation