Veda · OUT OF PURE CURIOSITY
Why does a parachute slow a fall?
No canopy · Small canopy · Large canopy
No canopy
Release the load without a canopy. Earth pulls it down while air offers relatively little drag.
Small canopy
Add a canopy. It interacts with more air, so the same load falls more slowly.
Large canopy
Increase canopy area and repeat from the same height. With other conditions equal, terminal speed decreases.
For adults · discuss together
Equal mass, still air and an open canopy from the start. Shape and turbulence are simplified.
Before experience
Ask: “What do you think will happen?” Let the child check his guess first.
After the experience
What has changed? What remains the same? Where can you notice a similar phenomenon?
