Plastic is commonly used for parachutes because it is lightweight, durable, and has a low air permeability, allowing the parachute to effectively catch the air and slow down the descent of the object attached to it. Additionally, plastic can be easily folded and packed into a compact space, making it convenient for storage and transportation.
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The manipulated variable in this experiment would be the size of the parachutes. By changing the size of the parachutes, the scientist can observe how it affects the time it takes for the parachutes to fall to the ground.
The variable being studied is the size of the parachutes.
Smaller parachutes have less surface area and generate less lift compared to larger parachutes. This results in a faster descent speed for smaller parachutes, causing them to hit the ground sooner than larger parachutes.
Bigger parachutes have more air resistance and drag force than smaller parachutes. This is because the larger surface area of the bigger parachute creates more friction with the air, resulting in increased resistance and drag.
Aluminum is the best conductor of heat among the materials listed. Glass, plastic, and foam are poor conductors of heat in comparison to aluminum.