Terminal Velocity

Activity Information

Learning Goals

  • ΣF=0 does not mean no motion
  • Relationship between terminal velocity and net force
  • Use a computer simulation to model the impact of proposed solutions to a complex real-world problem with numerous criteria and constraints on interactions within and between systems relevant to the problem HS-ETS1-4
  • Analyze data to support the claim that Newton's second law of motion describes the mathematical relationship among the net force on a macroscopic object, its mass, and its accelerations HS-PS2-1
    • Assessment Boundary: limited to one-dimensional motion and to macroscopic objects moving at non-relativistic speeds

Prior Knowledge Required

  • Newton's second law of motion
  • Drag equation
    • D=12Cρv2A
  • Terminal velocity
    • v=2WCρA
  • Gravitational force

Code Manipulation

  • Copying/pasting code
  • Creating code from scratch
    • Translating equations into code
  • While loops and if statements

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Activity

Handout

Terminal Velocity

A coin is being dropped from the top of a building. When will it reach terminal velocity? How does the force of gravity compare to the force of air resistance? Take a look at the unfinished code and answer the following questions:

Pre-coding Questions
  1. Create a graph showing how you think the velocity of the coin will
  • repository/terminal_velocity.txt
  • Last modified: 2021/02/18 19:17
  • by porcaro1