65245515 rotocopter test lab

Cole Mendez RotoCopter Test Sept. 12, 2011

Purpose:

To hypothesize and explain two relationships between the RotoCopter and the time of descent.

Hypothesis:

Test #1: The hypothesis is that if the RotoCopter’s mass is increased, then the time of descent will decrease.

Test #2: The hypothesis is that if the RotoCopter’s wingspan is decreased, then the time of descent will decrease.

Materials:

Paper Scissors Pencil

Procedure:

Test #1: 1. The RotoCopter was dropped with one paperclip attached to the

bottom from an approximate height of three meters.2. The time of descent was marked.3. This was repeated four times.4. For each subsequent section of four marked descents, one paperclip

was added for extra mass.5. The average time of each section of four marked descents was

calculated and graphed.

Test #2:1. The RotoCopter with a wingspan of 13 cm was dropped with one

paperclip attached to the bottom from an approximate height of three meters.

2. The time of descent was marked.3. This was repeated four times4. For each subsequent section of four marked descents, the wingspan

was decreased by two centimeters.5. The average time of each section of four marked descents was

calculated and graphed.

SNC1D3 3 Mr. Janisse

Ruler Calculator Stop

Watch


Observations:

Test #1: Increase in Mass vs. Descent Time

Time 1 Time 2 Time 3 Time 4 Average1 Paperclip 1.80 1.76 1.16 1.80 1.752 Paperclips 1.66 1.47 1.68 1.09 1.473 Paperclips 1.02 1.86 1.96 1.01 1.464 Paperclips 1.22 1.03 0.77 0.53 0.86

Test #2: Decrease in Wingspan vs. Descent Time

Time 1 Time 2 Time 3 Time 4 Average13cm 1.77 1.31 1.54 1.33 1.4811cm 1.43 1.0 1.80 1.40 1.409cm 1.68 1.12 3.12 1.23 1.537cm 0.90 1.11 0.91 1.16 1.02

Calculations:

Test #1: Trial 1: (1.80 +1.76+1.16+1.80)÷4=1.75Trial 2: (1.66+1.47+1.68+1.09)÷4=1.47



Trial 3: (1.02+1.86+1.96+1.01)÷4=1.46Trial 4: (1.22+1.03+0.77+0.53)÷4=0.86

Test #2:Trial 1: (1.77+1.31+1.54+1.33)÷4=1.48Trial 2: (1.43+1.0+1.80+1.40)÷4=1.40Trial 3: (1.68+1.12+3.12+1.23)÷4=1.53Trial 4: (0.90+1.11+0.91+1.16)÷4=1.02

Discussion:

Overall, the velocity and descent time followed the general hypothesis for each statement.

It should be noted that more comprehensive studies could be implemented, such as air resistance and acceleration towards terminal velocity.

Sources of Error:

The accidental force applied downwards by the tester releasing the RotoCopter cannot be accurately measured and there was most likely a difference in said force between tests.

Degradation of the RotoCopter over time due to strenuous use may have impacted the velocity and descent time for later tests.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, what was found was that adding mass to the RotoCopter would in fact increase the velocity and decrease the descent time. The tests found that for each paper clip added to the RotoCopter, the average time of descent decreased by up to 0.6 seconds.

Also, it was discovered that decreasing the wingspan would cause a relationship wherein the descent time first increases, then decreases. The average time first decreased, then increased, and then decreased for a second time. This relationship is especially interesting, as it does not follow a straight line in terms of data.


65245515 rotocopter test lab

Documents