Science 10 – Paper Planes

How can we make the plane has a faster speed?

In this Paper Airplanes experiment, we hypothesis if the plane is sharper and skinnier, it would go faster because it would have the easiest to throw. Also, the more air the wings can catch underneath then the faster it will go. During this experiment, we base on the speed and distance of the paper plane (Dependent Variable). We have the same size and same type of white 8*11 paper (Controlled Variables). However, each paper planes has different shape, style, and length (Independent Variable).

Plane A – Sharper, smaller size, skinny, shortest wings

Distance: 17.5 feet

Time: 0.85 seconds

Plane B – Wider, shorter wings, bigger size

Distance: 20.9 feet

Time: 0.87 seconds

Plane C – Biggest size, widest wings, blunt nose

Distance: 42.4 feet

Time: 0.93 seconds

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Resolution

The smallest and the sharpest plane (Plane A) has the shortest distance, the biggest plane (Plane B) has the farthest distance; however, when every plane has the same ending distance as 15 feet, Plane A has a faster speed than Plane B, which the smallest and sharpest plane has the fastest speed. We found that the shape of planes affects the speed and distance. Plane with bigger wings has low induced drag, so it goes slower and farther, because of the resistance, so the plane went smoothly and slowly. Opposite, plane with smaller wings goes faster and has shorter distance because the structure of the plane is light enough, has less resistance. Also, we found that if we curved the wings, the plane can go faster, because when the air touch the plane quickly, the pressure decreases. The less pressure paper plane is, the faster it flies. Our observation is is useful for people to research the resistance of the wind, and for people who would want to make different functions of real plane according to the structure and shape. Different shape and structure of plane can affect how far, how fast, how slow, etc. It was a great experience for me to learn how to do he teamworks with others, I learned the effect resistance through the flying distance and speed of the plane. In the next time, I would do different size of paper for next time.

Self-Assessment_Paper Plane

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