22. A group of students performed an experiment to test terminal velocity, which is the greatest speed obtained by a falling object. The students dropped different numbers of coffee filters and measured the resulting terminal velocity. Data Table: Mass (g): 1.01, 1.99, 3.02, 4.0, 5.01; Terminal Velocity (m/s): 1.74, 2.48, 3.04, 3.50, 3.80. Which of the following conclusions is supported by the data?
Answer: B
The greater the number of filters, the smaller the terminal velocity.
The data indicates that as the mass of the coffee filters increases, the terminal velocity also increases. This suggests that the greater the number of filters, the larger the terminal velocity, which contradicts the assertion in option B.
A) Terminal velocity is reached when the force of gravity equals air resistance.
This statement is accurate in describing the concept of terminal velocity, but it does not directly relate to the specific data provided in the experiment. The conclusion drawn from the data focuses more on the relationship between mass and terminal velocity rather than the forces acting on the object.
B) The greater the number of filters, the smaller the terminal velocity.
This option is incorrect based on the data presented. The results show that as the mass of the coffee filters increases, the terminal velocity also increases, indicating that heavier filters fall faster, not slower.
C) Heavier objects reach terminal velocity more quickly.
While heavier objects may reach terminal velocity quickly due to greater gravitational force, the data does not provide information about the time it takes to reach terminal velocity. Therefore, this conclusion cannot be supported solely by the provided data.
D) Heavier objects fall faster than lighter objects.
This statement is supported by the data. The table shows that as the mass of the coffee filters increases, the terminal velocity increases, indicating that heavier filters do indeed fall faster than lighter ones.
Conclusion
The correct conclusion drawn from the experiment is that heavier objects fall faster than lighter objects, as evidenced by the increasing terminal velocities corresponding to greater masses. Option B is incorrect as it misrepresents the relationship illustrated in the data, while options A and C do not directly address the findings. Only option D aligns with the observed data and the principles of terminal velocity.