Changing the speed of a parachute
I can clearly describe how drag forces affect the motion of falling objects.
Changing the speed of a parachute
I can clearly describe how drag forces affect the motion of falling objects.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- The gravitational force on a falling object is constant.
- The drag force on a falling obejct depends on its speed and shape.
- Objects falling through the air will reach a terminal velocity when the drag and gravitational forces are equal.
- The terminal velocity can be changed by changing the drag force (e.g. with a parachute).
Keywords
Gravitational force - The gravitational force on something pulls it downwards, towards Earth.
Drag force - When an object moves through a fluid there is a drag force that opposes the movement.
Resultant force - A resultant force is the overall effect of a set of forces on an object, taking their directions into account.
Parachute - A parachute is used to increase the size of drag forces. This slows down the object it is attached to.
Terminal velocity - An object reaches a terminal velocity when the drag and gravitational forces are equal.
Common misconception
Video of skydiving may lead pupils to think opening a parachute makes a skydiver 'shoot upwards'.
Explain that this 'upwards motion' is relative motion to a cameraman. Discuss what a sudden upwards motion would do to a falling skydiver.
To help you plan your year 8 science lesson on: Changing the speed of a parachute, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 8 science lesson on: Changing the speed of a parachute, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
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Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
A force that pulls objects towards Earth.
A force caused by friction due to air.
The overall effect of a set of forces on an object.
A device used to increase drag during a fall.
The speed an object falls at.
