This demonstration shows how air resistance affects free fall. If a piece of felt (or cotton ball) and a plastic (or metal) ball are dropped, the ball hits the ground first. If both these objects are put in the same cup and dropped, they will hit the ground at the same time. This disproves the misconception that the more massive object hits the ground first. The difference is due to air resistance. This can also be done with a book and leaf or piece of paper.
Here is a video of dropping a feather and ball in the largest vacuum chamber on Earth.
Setup:
Place the cups, ball and felt, or book and leaf on the demo table.
Drop the items individually. They will not hit the ground at the same time.
Drop the ball and felt in the cups. They will hit the ground at the same time.
Drop the book with the leaf on top and they will hit the ground at the same time.
Notes:
Foam may be placed under the cups to cushion the fall.
Courses Used In:
Coming Soon
Discussion and Polling Questions:
Even if we put both objects in a cup, we may see the heavier object drop first. Why is that the case?
This effect increases the larger the difference between the heavier object and the cup itself. Why may this be the case?
Will this effect remain if we gave them enough time to fall?
Equipment Needed:
Plastic Cups
Ball
Felt Piece
Book
Leaf or Paper
Foam