Materials
Conclusion
Terminal
Velocity
Problem
Hypothesis
Procedures
Research
Report
How Does the Number of Parachutes Affect Terminal Velocity?
I think increasing the number of parachutes will decrease the terminal velocity of the
falling object.
❏ Parachutes: Create multiple parachutes of different numbers (1, 2,
and 3).
❏ Weights: Small weights (e.g., washers or small bags of sand) to
attach to the parachutes.
❏ Stopwatch: To measure the time of descent.
❏ Measuring Tape: To measure the height of the drop.
❏ Scale: To measure the weight of the parachute setup.
❏ Data Sheet: For recording results.
❏ Drop Zone: A safe place to drop the parachutes from a consistent
height (like a second or third-floor balcony).
❏ Prepare the Parachutes:
❏
❏ 1. Gather the materials needed for the parachutes. You will need lightweight materials like
plastic bags or cloth, string, and small weights (such as washers or small stones). The string
will attach the weights to the parachutes.
❏ 2. Create three different parachutes:
❏ - For the first parachute, attach the weight to just one parachute using string, making sure it's
evenly balanced.
❏ - For the second parachute, attach two parachutes together, ensuring both are equally
balanced with the weight.
❏ - For the third parachute, attach three parachutes together in the same way, securing the
weight properly.
❏ 3. Ensure all parachutes are properly assembled, with the strings and weights securely
attached to avoid failure during the experiment. Make sure the parachutes are of similar size
and material to maintain consistency in the experiment.
Data
Number of Trial 1 Time Trial 2 Time Trial 3 Time Average
Parachutes (s) (s) (s) Time (s)
1 Parachute 4.5 4.3 4.6 4.47
2 Parachutes 5.6 5.4 5.5 5.50
3 Parachutes 7.1 7.0 6.9 7.00
❏ 1 parachute: Falls the fastest (about 4.5 seconds).
❏ 2 parachutes: Falls slower (about 5.5 seconds).
❏ 3 parachutes: Falls the slowest (about 7 seconds).
Conclusion:
The more parachutes we use, the slower the object falls. This means our
hypothesis was correct—adding more parachutes slows down the fall
because they catch more air, making the object fall more gently.
