How can I make a low-tech device that measures the speed of something falling?

Question

We were assigned a project in which we must measure the speed of a falling object, however it must be completely low-tech - i.e. no timing devices, phones, video, pictures, etc. Also, my teacher specified we can't use bouncy balls as well. Any help?

Answer 1

Get some kite string, a ruler (or yard stick), and whatever object you need to measure falling. Tie a knot every 10cm (or 12in) in the string and then tie the string off at the height where you will drop your object. You now have the distance your weight will travel.Drop the object and begin counting in seconds. Obviously, stop once the object hits the ground. Unless you're dropping your weight from the Eiffel Tower, it should only take between 1 and 3 seconds to travel to the ground. Now, with some simple math, you have your speed in feet per second or meters per second (with a little more math, you could calculate miles per hour or kilometers per hour). This method is not particularly accurate, but it is fairly adequate.

Answer 2

Speed is distance divided by time, so you have to use some sort of a measuring stick and some sort of a time base. The assignment is not possible.

Answer 3

Setup as per diagram

The dripper should make a drop in a regular pattern.

when the weight goes down, the drops will be spaced, and this shows the speed of dropping of the weight