Free Fall Ride

What you need

• A coin, preferably a £2 piece
• Paper
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Cut out a paper disc a bit smaller than the coin. Hold the coin horizontally in one hand and the paper disc in the other, then let them fall
2. The coin falls much faster than the paper, as you would expect
3. Now place the paper disc on top of the coin, and let them fall together. The paper falls almost as fast as the coin

Results and Explanation

It is air resistance that makes the paper fall slowly, and the coin pushes the air out of the way for both itself and the paper when you drop them together. In a vacuum, all objects fall at the same speed, as astronaut David Scott once showed on the Moon.

These experiments have not been specifically safety tested for home use but we believe them to be safe if the instructions are followed. Adult supervision or direction is recommended as appropriate. All experiments are carried out at your own risk.