PRACTICAL INVESTIGATION PART A - DECONSTRUCTION & DESIGN

Problem/Question: What factors affect the drop time of a parachute?

A. Deconstruct the problem

Deconstruct the Problem:

What will affect the drop time of a parachute?

Complete a deconstruction table (for 3 factors):

Example 1 2 3

Factors that affect the Surface area The length of the string The shape of the The material of the
drop time canopy canopy

Claim to investigate The larger the surface The longer the length is Depending on which Depending on the
based on area is, the larger the the more likely it will shape. material of the canopy,
factor(hypothesis) drop time is. extend the drop time Some shapes are able to some material might
capture more air when have less mass affecting
its fall some don’t. the weight of the
parachute

Investigation question How does the surface In what way does the In what extend does the How would the
area affect the drop length of suspension shape of the canopy differing material of the
time of a parachute? lines influence the drop affect the drop time of canopy affect the drop
time of a parachute? the parachute? time of the canopy?

Independent variable Parachute’s surface The suspension’s The shape of the The material of the
area length(cm) parachute(square, canopy (Plastic, Nylon,
rectangular, octagon,...) Cotton,...)

Dependent variable Drop time Drop time Drop time Drop time

Considerations - Wind Conditions: Wind The longer the string is The shape can be hard The material can either
Disadvantages can significantly affect the more likely it will to replicate and to have be hard to obtain or
the descent of the strangle. the exact surface area complicates the process
parachute. for each shape of creating the canopy.

Considerations - Assumption of Uniform The experiment The experiment The experiment

Limitations Air Resistance: The assumes that the assumes that the shape assumes that material of
experiment assumes suspension length of the of the canopy will the canopy will not
that the air resistance string will not affect the affect the air resistance affect the air resistance
experienced by the air resistance and the of the parachute and and the parachute will
parachute remains parachute will remain might have a chance on remain constant
constant throughout the constant throughout the not having a constant throughout the descent
descent, regardless of drop descent
changes in surface
area.

B. Design your own investigation

Variables -Independent variable: The diameter of the canopy (10cm, 20cm, 30cm,
40cm)

-Dependent variable: The drop time measure in second

-Factors that should be controlled: wind power, string length(20cm

each), parachute weight, dropping displacement

-Factors that cannot be controlled: air resistance, gravity, terminal

velocity.

Hypothesis The larger the independent variable (size of canopy), the bigger the
dependent variable (drop time) will be due to the drag force resisting
against the gravitational force.

Equipment -Prepare at least 640 cm of string length since the experiment require 4
different parachute with 8 suspension strings for each one and knowing
that the length per string is 20cm.

-4 cups. These cups will act as a risers in a parachute.

-Nylon bag: The material itself can be a great alternative version of the
2
material required to make a standard canopy, prepare about 3000𝑐𝑚 .

-scissor, knives, tape,, ruler to measure, pencil

Safety -The experiment involves sharp objects such as scissor and knife
therefore during the experiment, it is crucial to wear protection such as
glove, and google.

Potential risk and its solution ● Potential risk: Parachute structural failure during deployment.
● Solution: In order to reduce the risk of structural failure, it is
critical to carefully select acceptable materials and use the
right building techniques.

-Choose long-lasting materials like polyester cloth for

a strong, lightweight parachute canopy with ripping
resistance.
Procedure Logical procedure with numbered steps which includes step-by-step
instructions on:

- How to set up the practical

- How the controlled factors will be held constant
- The use of ALL equipment
- Measurements to make and results to record
- Number of trials /repetition of steps
- All the calculations to complete, including any equations to use

● Step 1:Prepare materials, choose parachute size (10cm, 20cm,

30cm, 40cm), cut circular nylon, and use a pencil for accurate
marking.
● Step 2: Cut eight 20cm webbing suspension lines, adjust
lengths for specific designs, and ensure equal lengths for
balanced descent and stability.
● Step 3: Fold circular nylon in half, then fold again to locate the
center point. Mark the center point, position eight suspension
lines evenly, and secure ends to the marked center point.
● Step 4: Fold the canopy in half over suspension lines, ensuring
centered lines. Tape along the folded edge, progressing
circularly around the nylon, leaving a small opening for
turning the parachute inside out.

● Step 5: Conduct small-scale tests on homemade parachute to

evaluate stability, flight characteristics, and descent rate, adjust
suspension, and monitor performance.
● Step 6: Measuring the area of each canopy to see how
distinctive each of them perform,
First attempt: 10 cm diameters
2 2
● =>A=2(1+√2)x 4. 5 =97.77𝑐𝑚

● Second attempt: 19cm diameters

2 2
● =>𝐴 = 2(1 + 2) × 7. 3 =257. 306𝑐𝑚

● Third sample: 30cm diameters

2 2
● =>𝐴 = 2(1 + 2) × 13. 6 = 893. 065𝑐𝑚

● Fourth sample: 43 cm diameters

2 2
● =>𝐴 = 2(1 + 2) × 18. 6 = 1670. 442𝑐𝑚
Labelled diagram

Reference list Encyclopædia Britannica, inc. (n.d.). Encyclopædia Britannica.

[Link]

The physical factors affecting parachutes. (2019, March 2). Sciencing.

[Link]
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Communication of whole report Communication assessed over whole report part A (above)
Part A

- Deconstruction table
- Report sub-headings
- Spelling of terms
- Grammar
- Labelled diagrams