Measuring terminal velocity

Using a simultaneously falling softball as a stopwatch, the terminal velocity of a whiffle ball can be obtained to surprisingly high accuracy with only common household equipment. In the January 2013 issue of College Mathematics Monthly, we describe an classroom activity that engages students in this apparently daunting task that nevertheless is tractable, using a simple model and mathematical techniques at their disposal.

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.