Flight of a plane without lift on its wings

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on visualizing the forces acting on a plane without lift, particularly in relation to centripetal force and the angles involved. Participants emphasize the importance of defining the angle (theta) and understanding the balance of forces, including gravitational force and tension. They clarify that the diagram does not need to depict motion but should illustrate the forces at play. The conversation also touches on different frames of reference, such as using centrifugal force versus centripetal force. Overall, the focus is on accurately representing the forces in a clear diagram.
DavidOB18
Messages
11
Reaction score
2
Homework Statement
I was practicing qs. at the end of the chapter and came across this. Example 5 shows a model aeroplane in circular motion at the end of a string. The centripetal force is the tension. Redo Example 5, assuming that there is no upward lift on the plane generated by its wings. Without such lift, the guideline slopes downward due to the weight of the plane. For purposes of significant figures, use 0.900 kg for the mass of the plane, 17.0 m for the length of the guideline, and 19.0 and 38.0 m/s for the speeds.
Relevant Equations
I tried resolving its weight into it's components downslope and I think the net force is t-mg.
I don't know where to start with this as I can't visualise a diagram for it. Any help would be appreciated.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
DavidOB18 said:
I can't visualise a diagram for it
Please make some attempt to do so and post what you come up with. The question provides a lot of guidance.
 
Does the centripetal force become t-mg as it is the net force.
 
IMG_20191112_105016.jpg
 
That should be mg sin theta sorry.
 
DavidOB18 said:
Does the centripetal force become t-mg as it is the net force.
As vectors, yes. But if you mean as scalars you need to take direction into account.
DavidOB18 said:
That should be mg sin theta sorry.
You did not define theta. If it is the angle to the horizontal then, yes, sin.
So what two scalar force balance equations does that give you?
 
So is the diagram just a slope and no circular motion.
 
DavidOB18 said:
So is the diagram just a slope and no circular motion.
You do not need to represent the motion in the diagram. Just show the forces that act on the object.
You have a choice in that. You can use the plane's frame of reference and centrifugal force, with the net force being zero, or an inertial frame with the net force being the centripetal force.
 
Thanks for your help.
 
  • Like
Likes berkeman
Back
Top