The Effect Of Blade Length On The Flight Time Of A Paper Helicopter
Name:_______________
Lab Partner’s Name: _______________
Submitted To: _______________
Date: _______________
Purpose:
What is the effect of shortening the lengths of the rotor blades on the flight time of a paper
helicopter?
OR
The purpose of this investigation is to determine the effect of shortening the lengths of the rotor
blades on the flight time of a paper helicopter.
Prediction & Hypothesis:
If the lengths of the rotor blades are decreased, then the flight time of the paper helicopter will
decrease. The use of shorter rotor blades will decrease the surface area of the blades providing
less air resistance. Less air resistance will result in a decreased flight time.
Materials:
- paper
- paper clip
- ruler
- pencil
- scissors
- stopwatch
Procedure:
1. A paper helicopter with a standard design (longer rotor blades) was made. See Figure 1.
2. The helicopter was dropped from a height of 3 m and the time it took for it to reach the
floor was measured. The average flight time of three trials was determined for the
standard design.
3. Both rotor blades were shortened to one-half of their original lengths (14 cm to 7 cm).
See Figure 2.
4. The helicopter was dropped from a height of 3 m and the time it took for it to reach the
floor was measured. The average flight time of three trials was determined for the
manipulated design (shorter rotor blades).
Variables:
Independent: Rotor Blade Length
Dependent: Flight Time
Controlled: Drop Height, Method of Timing, Air Temperature, Wind Speed
Observations:
Table 1: Flight Times For The Paper Helicopter (Standard Design)
Rotor Blade Length
(cm)
14
Trial
Flight Time
(s)
Average Flight Time
(s)
1
2
3
2.53
2.25
2.34
2.37
Table 2: Flight Times For The Paper Helicopter (Manipulated Design)
Rotor Blade Length
(cm)
7
Trial
Flight Time
(s)
Average Flight Time
(s)
1
2
3
1.93
2.10
2.06
2.03
Sample Calculation: Average Flight Time
2.53 s + 2.25 s + 2.34 s = 7.12 s
7.12s / 3 = 2.37 s
Analysis/Discussion & Sources of Error:
1. Why is it important to have controlled variables?
2. Describe any sources of error and explain how they may have affected the results.
Conclusion:
The results support the prediction and hypothesis. The average flight time of the paper
helicopter decreased from 2.37 s to 2.03 s when the rotor blades were shortened.