Resources

Potential Scenario

1980-Peastrel-Lynch-Armenti-Terminal velocity of a shuttlecock in vertical fall

Author(s): M Peastrel

NA

Keywords: falling terminal velocity shuttlecock vertical fall

211 total view(s), 44 download(s)

Abstract

Resource Image We have performed a straightforward vertical fall experiment for a case where the effects of air resistance are important and directly measurable.

Citation

Researchers should cite this work as follows:

Article Context

Resource Type
Differential Equation Type
Technique
Qualitative Analysis
Application Area
Course
Course Level
Lesson Length
Technology
Approach
Skills

Description

Peastrel, M., R. Lynch Lynch, and A.Armenti, Jr. 1980. Terminal velocity of a shuttlecock in vertical fall. American Journal of Physics. 48(7): 511-513.

See https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Terminal-velocity-of-a-shuttlecock-in-vertical-fall-Peastrel-Lynch/ba548a02eb5bb398e7fa564da6077f9f483ce438 . Accessed 18 March 2023.

Article Abstract:  We have performed a straightforward vertical fall experiment for a case where the effects of air resistance are important and directly measurable. Using a commonly available badminton shuttlecock, a tape measure, and a millisecond timer, the times required for the shuttlecock to fall given distances (up to almost ten meters) were accurately measured. The experiment was performed in an open stairwell. The experimental data was compared to the predictions of several models. The best fit was obtained with the model which assumes a resistive force quadratic in the instantaneous speed of the falling object. This model was fitted to the experimental data enabling us to predict the terminal velocity of the shuttlecock (6.80 m/sec). The results indicate that, starting from rest, the vertically falling shuttlecock achieves 99% of its terminal velocity in 1.84 sec, after falling 9.2 m. The relative ease in collecting the data, as well as the excellent agreement with theory, make this an ideal experiment for use in physics courses at a variety of levels.

 

Article Files

Authors

Author(s): M Peastrel

NA

Comments

Comments

There are no comments on this resource.