Freefall and Air Resistance Physics Assignment
This 3-page assignment for 11th and 12th grade physics students introduces freefall with air resistance and terminal velocity. It builds on prior knowledge of 1D kinematics and gravity calculations, serving as an introduction to free body diagrams.
“Make an assignment for a regular level physics class of 11th and 12th grade students about freefall and air resistance. We have not covered free body diagrams yet but I plan on using this to start introducing FBDs. The previous class students used freefall and gravity to calculate the height of the second and third floors of the school. I want this activity to build on that with including terminal velocity and air resistance. They have been introduced to most of the 1D kinematics formulas”
Teacher Guide & Tips
- Use this assignment as an introduction to free body diagrams, perhaps over two 45-minute class periods.
- Discussion question: How does air resistance affect the motion of objects differently based on their shape and mass?
- Scaffold for struggling readers: Provide a partially completed free body diagram for a falling object.
- Extension for advanced students: Have students research and present on the concept of drag coefficients for different shapes.
- Estimated time: 90 minutes.
What is Diffit?
Teachers use Diffit to get quality materials for their unique classrooms. Adjust difficulty, add scaffolds, or change the topic to get started.
Try Diffit for free“Make an assignment for a regular level physics class of 11th and 12th grade students about freefall and air resistance. We have not covered free body diagrams yet but I plan on using this to start introducing FBDs. The previous class students used freefall and gravity to calculate the height of the second and third floors of the school. I want this activity to build on that with including terminal velocity and air resistance. They have been introduced to most of the 1D kinematics formulas”
Teacher Guide & Tips
- Use this assignment as an introduction to free body diagrams, perhaps over two 45-minute class periods.
- Discussion question: How does air resistance affect the motion of objects differently based on their shape and mass?
- Scaffold for struggling readers: Provide a partially completed free body diagram for a falling object.
- Extension for advanced students: Have students research and present on the concept of drag coefficients for different shapes.
- Estimated time: 90 minutes.
Freefall and Air Resistance Physics Assignment
This 3-page assignment for 11th and 12th grade physics students introduces freefall with air resistance and terminal velocity. It builds on prior knowledge of 1D kinematics and gravity calculations, serving as an introduction to free body diagrams.
What is Diffit?
Teachers use Diffit to get quality materials for their unique classrooms. Adjust difficulty, add scaffolds, or change the topic to get started.
Try Diffit for free