Paper Clips on Nose of a Paper Airplane Experiment: Analyzing Velocity and Speed

How does the number of paperclips on the nose of a paper airplane affect velocity and speed?

Based on the data provided, what can we conclude about the relationship between the number of paperclips and the airplane's velocity and speed?

Analysis of Data:

The experiment aimed to determine the impact of the number of paperclips on the nose of a paper airplane on its velocity and speed. By conducting trials with different numbers of paperclips and recording the time aloft, distance traveled, displacement, speed, and velocity, we can analyze the data to draw conclusions.

From the gathered data, we can create a line graph to visually represent the average speed and velocity (as two separate lines) against the number of paper clips on the x-axis. By observing the graph and identifying trends, we can determine if there is a relationship between the number of paperclips and the speed/velocity of the paper airplane.

Data Analysis:

In the data analysis section, we perform the necessary calculations and show our work to determine the mathematical relationship between the variables. By calculating the slope of the line for the graph and potentially establishing an equation based on the data, we can further understand the correlation between paperclip quantity and airplane performance.

Based on physics principles, we can hypothesize how forces acted on the airplane and how the addition of paperclips altered these forces. Through a Free Body Diagram (FBD), we can visually represent the forces at play and explain how they changed from the airplane's release to its resting position on the floor.