How Does Mass Affect The Time Of Flight Of A Paper Helicopter?

Background Theory:
Helicopters are used in everyday life, from transportation to being used for military operations; helicopters are a very diverse and technologically advanced machine. However, there are many external and internal variables that affect the time of flight. A simple experiment that can be used to determine these variables is through the use of creating and testing a paper helicopter.

As the paper helicopter falls, there are various external forces that act upon it. Gravity produces a downward force, which is called weight; this weight is directly proportional to the mass of the paper helicopter:

F=ma
W=mg

However, the paper helicopter will collide with many particles as it is falling through an atmosphere. This collision
Hypothesis: As the mass increases, the paper helicopters time of flight will decrease non-linearly

Variables:

Independent Variable: The rate of fall of the helicopter may be affected if mass was added to the end. Also, by adding more weight, air-resistance may have a greater and quicker build up. To achieve this variable, after every three trials I will add another paperclip on the bottom of the paper helicopter, until there is three paperclips. By using a paperclip, the mass will be kept constant as every paperclip is identical in mass.

Dependent Variable: The time of flight is the dependent variable. The time of flight will be measured with a high speed camera. By using a high speed camera, this variable is kept relatively constant as there is little to no error when recording the time of flight.

Constant Variable:

Surface Area of the Wing: By changing the surface area of the helicopter’s wings, it may change the rate at which the helicopter takes to land. Also I could examine whether air resistance is greater with wings with a greater area or less area. To keep the surface area constant, a skewer or light rigid material can be attached to the wings. This material will keep the wings from folding whilst in
Cut out the helicopter, ensuring no sides/edges are creased Attached Blu-Tack to the bottom of the paper helicopter, this will give it weight so it can fall appropriately. With a 1metre ruler, measure 3 metres above the ground (use table for assistance). From the 3metre point, drop the helicopter and time how long it takes to reach the ground. Repeat three times. Add another paperclip to the bottom of the paper helicopter Repeat steps 5 and 6 until the paper helicopter’s wing until there are 3 paperclips attached to the bottom of the paper helicopter. Record results

Group Work:
Groups will be consisted of two students. Each member will be assigned task to fulfill. One member will reset and drop the paper helicopter after each trial. The other member will time the paper helicopter, ensuring that they are at a low enough level to the ground so they can see when the paper helicopter hits the ground.

Safety:
The only possible source of danger in this practical would be accidently falling off the table and injuring myself. As a result I will ensure I will climb up and climb down in an appropriate and safe