Experimental Question: What is the effect of mass on the time it takes for a skydiver to reach the ground?
Independent Variable: Mass Dependent Variable: Falling time
Hypothesis: If the mass of a skydiver is increased, then the time it takes for them to reach the ground will increase, because greater mass increases the force of gravity acting on the skydiver which resulted in a greater downward acceleration and a longer time to reach the ground.
State the constants 1. 2. 3. 4.
1. Height of the drop: The experiment should be conducted from the same height for all trials to ensure consistency in the initial conditions.
2. Air resistance: The experiment should be conducted in a controlled environment with minimal effects of air resistance. Allowing the skydiver to descend in a vertical free fall without any external obstructions or wind currents will help keep air resistance constant.
3. Position of the skydiver: The skydiver should start from a consistent position, such as standing upright, to eliminate any potential variations in the initial acceleration due to differences in body orientation.
4. Equipment: The same parachute should be used for all trials to ensure consistency in the drag force experienced by the skydiver during the descent.