OCR PAG 1.

2 – Terminal velocity

AS – Investigating Terminal Velocity

Method 1
In this experiment, you will measure the terminal velocity of a ball bearing as it falls through a
viscous liquid, with the possibility of using this value to determine the viscosity as an extension
task. Initially, the class/group will determine the density of the viscous liquid being used.

Aim
A) Group/Class task: - To determine the density of a viscous liquid
B) Individual task: - To determine terminal velocity for object falling through the liquid

Apparatus
A) Beaker containing viscous liquid,

Measuring cylinder,

Access to mass balance.

B) Glass tube held upright (in retort stand/clamps) containing viscous liquid,

Elastic bands for marking distances along glass tube,

Plumb line (with boss, clamp),

Steel ball bearings,

Stopwatch,

Magnet,

Access to mass balance, and Vernier callipers,

Metre rule,

Paper towels.

Health and safety

Take appropriate care in making measurements, and with falling objects. Use paper towels to
clear any spilled liquids.
Follow good laboratory practice.

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 OCR PAG 1.2 – Terminal velocity

Procedure(s)
A) Devise and record a procedure by which to determine the density of the viscous liquid
being used in this experiment.

Perform this procedure, recording all measurements taken, and the subsequent
calculations made.

B) 1. Ensure the glass tube is mounted vertically.

2. Measure and record the mass, m, and diameter, d, of the ball bearings.

3. Carefully drop a ball bearing into the centre of the liquid, as shown in Fig.1 below, and
time its descent.

Ball bearing

Retort stand
Elastic band d0 Metre
rule

Boss and Band d1

clamp

Band d2

Viscous liquid

Band d3
Stopwatch

Boss and Band d4

clamp Magnet

Band d5

Figure 1:-
Apparatus for the determination of
terminal velocity in a viscous liquid.

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 OCR PAG 1.2 – Terminal velocity

4. Consider where the elastic bands should be placed to mark the distance travelled by the ball in
equal time periods as it falls through the liquid. Record the time period you have chosen.

5. As the ball drops, mark the positions of the ball at the time period chosen using the elastic
bands. The magnet can be used to take the ball bearing(s) out of the tube in order to
repeat your measurements and refine the positions of the bands.

6. For each time period measure the distance travelled between consecutive elastic bands, and,
using the time period you have chosen, calculate the average velocity, v, of the ball.

7. Plot a graph of velocity v on the y-axis and cumulative time, t, from the release of the ball on
the x-axis, and draw a smooth curve.

8. Identify the time at which the ball reached its terminal velocity.

9. Use your graph to determine the best value of the terminal velocity.

10. Identify the range of values for terminal velocity and calculate the maximum percentage
variation from your best value.

11. Discuss what you would expect to happen with smaller or larger ball bearings, giving
scientific explanations to support your reasoning.

To submit
For this piece of work to count towards Practical Activity Group 1 of the GCE Physics Practical
Endorsement you should have evidence of the data collected from your group in a clear and
logical format. You should have used the data collected to plot a graph to determine the terminal
velocity of the ball.

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 OCR PAG 1.2 – Terminal velocity

Extension to determine the viscosity of the liquid

Determine a value for the viscosity of the liquid using the equation

(mg − 4⁄3 𝜋r 3 g𝜌)⁄

𝜂= 6𝜋rv

Where:

 = viscosity of liquid r = radius of ball bearing

m = mass of ball bearing ρ = density of the liquid

g = acceleration of free fall v = terminal velocity

Evaluating your result

• Comment on the reliability of your value of viscosity by considering your results and
possible variations in timings.
• Estimate the error in timing. Estimate the error in your diameter measurements.
• Combine the error in all measurements to estimate the percentage error in viscosity.

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 OCR PAG 1.2 – Terminal velocity

AS – Investigating Terminal Velocity

Method 2
In this experiment, you will determine the terminal velocity of a paper cup-cake holder as it falls
through the air.

Aim

• To determine the terminal velocity for an object falling through the air.

Apparatus

• Cup-cake holder
• Access to mass balance
• Vernier callipers
• Metre rule (×2)
• Stopwatch

Health and safety

Follow good laboratory practice.

Procedure
1. Record the mass of the cup-cake holder.
2. Measure with a recorded precision the dimensions of the cup-cake holder, and draw a
scale diagram of it.
3. Drop the cup-cake holder from approximately 1m above the ground and observe its fall.
4. Plan a method to time the fall of the cake holder as accurately as possible.
5. Time the descent of the cake holder from 1m and then in increments up to a maximum of
2m to give sufficient data for analysis.
6. Plot a graph of time of drop against height of drop.
7. Plot a graph of average speed against height of drop.
8. Use these graphs to estimate the terminal velocity and give your reasoning.

To submit
For this piece of work to count towards Practical Activity Group 1 of the GCE Physics Practical
Endorsement you should have evidence of the data collected from your group in a clear and
logical format. You should have used the data collected to plot graphs to determine the terminal
velocity of the cup-cake holder.

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 OCR PAG 1.2 – Terminal velocity

Specification points assessed in this task:

1.2.1 Practical Skills Have I

done this?
Use and (b) safely and correctly use a range of practical equipment and
application of materials
scientific
methods and (c) follow written instructions
practices
(d) make and record observations/measurements

(e) keep appropriate records of experimental activities

(f) present information and data in a scientific way

Instruments (j) use a wide range of experimental and practical instruments,

and equipment equipment and techniques appropriate to the knowledge and
understanding included in the specification.

1.2.2 Use of apparatus and techniques

(a) use of appropriate analogue apparatus to record a range of

measurements (to include length/ distance, temperature, pressure,
force, angles and volume) and to interpolate between scale
markings

(b) use of appropriate digital instruments, including electrical

multimeters, to obtain a range of measurements (to include time,
current, voltage, resistance and mass)

(c) use of methods to increase accuracy of measurements, such as

timing over multiple oscillations, or use of fiduciary marker, set
square or plumb line

(d) use of a stopwatch or light gates for timing

(e) use of callipers and micrometres for small distances, using digital or
Vernier scales

CPAC (1) Follows written procedures

(3) Safely uses a range of practical equipment and materials

(4) Makes and records observations

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