GCSE Physics-Forces affecting falling objects.
My falling object is a skydiver
Can you please help me to find the information needed? Nothing too complicated please.
Here is a list of things I need to include but I have no idea where this information can be found on the internet.
To achieve a grade A I need to have:
-Used labelled diagrams to illustrates your explanations and identify forces involved.
-Used detailed diagrams to explain the forces on a sky diver
-used correct units where appropriate.
-Explained what happens when terminal velocity is reached.
For a A*
-Explain the energy transformations occurring during the skydive.
Please not that I have completed grade C and B so I have done half the work...it just need help to find the necessary information to include in my work to achieve a much higher grade.
Thank You .... Your help is very much appreciated.
Since this is not my area of expertise, I searched Google under the key words "Forces affecting falling objects" to get these possible sources:
http://search.aol.com/aol/search?query=Forces+affecting+falling+objects&s_it=client-addressbarmac-unauth
In the future, you can find the information you desire more quickly, if you use appropriate key words to do your own search. Also see http://hanlib.sou.edu/searchtools/.
Of course, I'd be happy to help you find the information you need for your project. Let's start by breaking it down into smaller sections.
1. Forces on a skydiver:
To understand the forces acting on a skydiver during free fall, you need to consider two main forces: weight and air resistance (also known as drag). Here's how you can find information to explain these forces:
- You can search for "forces on a skydiver" or "forces affecting falling objects" on reputable educational websites or physics resource websites. Some reliable sources include Khan Academy, BBC Bitesize, and Physics Classroom.
- Look for diagrams or illustrations that show the forces on a skydiver. These diagrams should label the forces involved, such as weight and air resistance/drag.
- Ensure that the diagrams you use are clear and accurate, with properly labeled forces.
2. Terminal velocity:
Terminal velocity is the point at which the force of air resistance on a falling object becomes equal to its weight, resulting in a constant downward velocity. To explain what happens when terminal velocity is reached:
- Search for "terminal velocity for skydivers" or "what happens when a skydiver reaches terminal velocity" to find explanations.
- Look for resources that explain how air resistance increases with speed until it matches weight, leading to a balanced force and constant velocity.
- Use diagrams or illustrations to help visualize this concept, showing the changing forces as velocity increases or decreases.
3. Correct units:
Ensure you use correct units in your explanations and calculations. Here are a few examples of commonly used units in this context:
- Weight: Newtons (N)
- Speed/Velocity: Meters per second (m/s)
- Acceleration: Meters per second squared (m/s^2)
To find the appropriate units for other measurements or calculations related to your project, you can refer to your textbook, online physics resources, or the websites mentioned above.
4. Energy transformations during the skydive (A* level):
For the A* level consideration of energy transformations during a skydive, you can explore how gravitational potential energy is converted into kinetic energy. To find information:
- Search for "energy transformations during skydiving" or "energy conversion in free fall."
- Look for explanations that describe the change in potential energy as the skydiver falls, converting into kinetic energy due to the acceleration caused by gravity.
- Diagrams showing the conversion of potential energy to kinetic energy can also be beneficial.
Remember to take notes and cite your sources as you gather information. This will help you keep track of the resources you used and avoid unintentional plagiarism. Good luck with your project, and I hope you achieve the grades you desire!