Laboratory experiment: This lab uses a motion detector and a calculator-based laboratory CBLTM unit. The motion detector measures thedistance from the detector to an object in front of it, and the...

Laboratory experiment: This lab uses a motion detector and a calculator-based laboratory CBLTM

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unit. The motion detector measures thedistance from the detector to an object in front of it, and the CBL records the data. After collecting the data, the CBL unit sends the data to the calculator, which displays a graph of the distance recorded with respect to time. In this lab we will investigate drag force, or air resistance, as coffee filters fall. The acceleration of the coffee filters is the acceleration due to gravity less the retardation due to air resistance. In this case, the air retardation is proportional to the square of the velocity of the coffee filter. We drop the filter, measure the distance, and use this to determine the terminal velocity and drag coefficient of the coffee filter. For a detailed description, go to http://college.hmco.com/PIC/crauder4e.