Air glider question and air resistance

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the landing speed of a space shuttle glider in the absence of air resistance and determining the average force of air resistance during its descent. The glider, with a mass of 980 kg, launched horizontally at 480 km/h from 3500 m and landed at 210 km/h. The user calculated the work done by air resistance, concluding that the average force exerted was -1897.8 N, using principles of potential energy (PE) and kinetic energy (KE) along with the glide angle of 12 degrees.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts such as potential energy (PE) and kinetic energy (KE)
  • Familiarity with the Pythagorean theorem for calculating compound velocity
  • Knowledge of forces and work-energy principles in physics
  • Ability to apply trigonometric functions to resolve components of motion
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of energy conservation in physics
  • Learn about the effects of air resistance on projectile motion
  • Explore advanced topics in fluid dynamics related to drag forces
  • Investigate the application of Newton's laws in real-world scenarios involving gliders
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, aerospace engineers, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of gliders and the impact of air resistance on flight performance.

BJducky
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Homework Statement


Early test flights for the space shuttle used as a glider (mass of 980kg). After a horizontal launch at 480 km/h at a height of 3500m, the glider eventually landed at a speed of 210 km/h. What would its landing speed have been in the absence of air resistance? also, what was the average force of air resistance exerted on it if it came in at a constant glide angle of 12degrees to the Earth's surface?

I attempted the first question by calculating the vertical component of the velocity and then using the Pythagorean theorem to calculate compound velocity. However, how I am completely at a loss of how to approach the second part. Please help.
 
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HINT: What is the work done by air resistance?
 
So, by using the theta and the given vertical component, I was able to find the total distance. Then, using the initial PE and final KE, I found the difference in energy lost and therefore work done by the air, setting up the equation W=fd I got f(air resistance)=-1897.8N. Does that sound right to you guys?
 

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