Kinematics

Activity - An investigation on how to increase the chance of survival from a fall off the building

There is a fire in the school and people trapped at the fourth level of the building. These people are trapped at the top of the building that is 20 m above the ground.  The only chance of survival is for these people to fall off the building.

(Note: You are unable to find any item to aid you in the safety of this fall.)

You can use the Paul’s Wheel of Reasoning and the Intellectual standards provided to guide your group discussions.

(1)   In your group, discuss on the possible factors that will affect the time taken for the person to fall off the building and hit the ground. [15 min ]

(2)   (i) What is/are the ways to increase the time taken for the person to fall off the building and hit the ground?

(ii) What is/are the ways to decrease the time taken for the person to fall off the building and hit the ground?

[15 min]

(3)   Based on what you have discussed on part (1) & (2).

Do you think that it is wise to increase or reduce the time taken for the object to fall off the building and hit the ground? Provide explanation through the use of illustrations, graphs to support your hypothesis that you make.

[20 min]

Activity after discussion

You are to use the fourth level of the school building to conduct the activity.

You are to simulate the person’s fall by using an eraser (a person) and a stopwatch provided to evaluate your findings on the answers on part (2) and (3).

[10 min]

Extension question:

What is the velocity of the person just before it hit the ground?