Creating Weightlessness in an Airplane: Calculating Flight Path Radius

AI Thread Summary
To create a condition of weightlessness in an airplane performing a wide loop, the radius of curvature must be calculated based on the aircraft's speed of 749 km/h and the acceleration due to gravity of 9.8 m/s². The necessary equations involve centripetal acceleration and the relationship between speed, radius, and gravitational acceleration. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding these physics principles to determine the required flight path radius. Participants are encouraged to share their calculations and insights on the problem. Accurate calculations will reveal the specific radius needed for achieving weightlessness during the maneuver.
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Homework Statement


An airplane in a wide "outside" loop can create an apparent zero eight inside the aircraft cabin. What must be the radius of curvature of the flight path for an aircraft moving at 749 km/h to create a condition of weightlessness inside the aircraft? Assume the acceleration of gravity is 9.8 m/s/s. Answer in units of m.


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The Attempt at a Solution

 
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