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Year 8 - Science

Comparing the speeds of different parachutes

Moving by force

Unit Summary

This unit explores speed, forces, and motion, including effects on objects. It covers deriving equations, calculations, and distance-time graphs. Learn to use force arrows, identify balanced and unbalanced forces, and understand their impact on movement.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explain how the size of a parachute affects its top speed.

Key Notes

  • The larger the surface of a parachute, the bigger its drag.
  • Gravity pulls down with a steady force.
  • At top speed the force of drag on a parachute is the same size as the force of gravity on the jumper.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • drag: When an object moves through a fluid there is a drag force that opposes the movement.
  • parachute: A parachute is used to increase the size of drag forces. This slows down the object it is attached to.
  • gravitational force: The gravitational force on something pulls it downwards, towards Earth.
  • resultant force: A resultant force is the overall effect of a set of forces on an object, taking their directions into account.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Students may think that all objects fall at the same rate (this is only true in a vacuum).

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain the scientific idea in this lesson using two key points.

The larger the surface of a parachute, the bigger its drag. Gravity pulls down with a steady force.

2. Define this scientific word and use it in context. 'drag'

When an object moves through a fluid there is a drag force that opposes the movement. Include the word in a full scientific explanation, not as a single label.

3. Correct this common scientific misunderstanding.

Mistake: Students may think that all objects fall at the same rate (this is only true in a vacuum). Correction: Use force diagrams to discuss the effect of different sized drag on the parachutes, linking this to resultant force and acceleration.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 8 Science guide library.