Introduction

This experiment explores the motions of cupcake cups dropped from rest. The cups have paper clips attached to give them mass and stability. As the cups fall, the air resistance force causes them to approach a terminal velocity that varies with mass.

Click the Experiment tab above for directions on completing this experiment. When you have finished, you should be able to answer the following questions:

1. How does the motion of a falling cupcake cup differ from that of a falling ball?
2. What is the difference between a drag force and a viscous force?
3. Is air resistance a drag force or a viscous force?
4. How does terminal velocity depend on mass?