📚 Topic Summary
Wind resistance, also known as air resistance, is the force that air exerts on a moving object. It opposes the motion of the object, slowing it down. The amount of wind resistance depends on the object's size, shape, and speed. Larger objects and objects with a greater surface area experience more wind resistance. This is why a flat piece of paper falls slower than a crumpled ball of paper, even though they weigh the same!
In this worksheet, we'll explore how different shapes and sizes affect how objects move through the air. Get ready to experiment and discover the power of wind!
🧮 Part A: Vocabulary
Match the following terms with their definitions:
| Term |
Definition |
| 1. Wind Resistance |
A. The area of an object that faces the wind. |
| 2. Surface Area |
B. To slow down or stop movement. |
| 3. Streamlined |
C. The force of air pushing against a moving object. |
| 4. Air |
D. Shaped to reduce wind resistance. |
| 5. Resist |
E. The mixture of gases surrounding the Earth. |
✍️ Part B: Fill in the Blanks
Use the following words to fill in the blanks: faster, shape, wind resistance, slower, air.
Objects with a streamlined __________ move through the __________ __________ with less __________. Objects with a larger surface area fall __________ than objects with a smaller surface area. A parachute falls __________ because it has a large surface area.
🤔 Part C: Critical Thinking
Imagine you are designing a race car. What shape would you make it and why? Explain how your design would help the car go faster by reducing wind resistance.
