Exploring the Effect of Weights on a Paper Whirlybird's Descent
Introduction
A paper whirlybird, or helicopter, is a simple and fun paper craft that demonstrates basic principles of physics and aerodynamics. This experiment aims to explore how adding weights to a paper whirlybird affects its falling speed. We hypothesize that adding weight will make the whirlybird fall faster due to increased gravitational force and potential changes in its aerodynamic behavior.
Materials Needed
- A sheet of paper (preferably a lightweight type, like printer paper)
- Scissors
- A ruler
- A pencil
- A small assortment of weights (e.g., paper clips or small coins)
- A stopwatch (or a phone with a timer)
- A measuring tape (to measure the drop height)
Instructions
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Create the Whirlybird:
- Start by cutting a rectangular piece of paper about 8 inches long and 2 inches wide.
- From one end of the rectangle, cut downwards about 2 inches, stopping just short of the bottom. This forms the blades of the whirlybird.
- Gently twist the blades apart to form a âTâ shape, helping it to catch the air as it falls.
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Prepare for the Drop:
- Find a suitable height to drop the whirlybird from (e.g., from a second-story window or a ladder).
- Measure and record the height from which you're going to drop the whirlybird.
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Initial Drop:
- Drop the whirlybird without any added weight and use the stopwatch to time how long it takes to reach the ground. Repeat this drop three times for accuracy and take the average time.
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Add Weights:
- Choose an appropriate weight (like a paper clip) and carefully attach it to the bottom of the whirlybird.
- Repeat the dropping process, timing how long it takes for the weighted whirlybird to reach the ground, again taking an average over three drops.
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Increase the Weight:
- Continue adding more weights (one at a time) and perform the drop each time. Make sure to time each drop and record the results.
Observations and Analysis
After conducting your experiments, compare the average times for the unweighted whirlybird and the weighted versions. You may notice that as you add more weight, the whirlybird generally falls faster. However, keep in mind that the optimal weight might reach a point where it affects stability and the whirlybird no longer spins effectively.
Conclusion
In this experiment, we investigated the impact of added weights on the descent speed of a paper whirlybird. The initial hypothesis that adding weight would result in a faster fall was proven to be correct in some cases. However, it's essential to find a balance, as too much weight could hinder the whirlybird's ability to spin and glide effectively. This hands-on experiment illustrates key concepts of gravity and aerodynamics, making it an engaging way to learn about physical forces in action.
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