What are the conditions for uniform velocity in the flight of a sugar glider?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the conditions required for a sugar glider (Petaurus breviceps) to achieve uniform velocity during flight. Key forces involved include lift (Fl), drag (Fd), and gravity (Fg). For uniform velocity, the net force acting on the sugar glider must equal zero, meaning lift must counterbalance gravity, and drag must be negligible. The specific scenario involves a sugar glider with a mass of 0.118 kg gliding at an angle of 20.2 degrees with negligible drag.

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This discussion is beneficial for students of physics, wildlife biologists studying gliding mammals, and anyone interested in the mechanics of animal flight.

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Hey I am just having a little trouble with understanding the diagram... i thought I knew wat to do but I seem to get it wrong and now I am confused... if you could help I would be very appreciative!
The diagram is on an attachment!


There are essentially three forces involved in flying: (i) ``lift'' Fl generated by the difference in air pressure between the top and bottom parts of a wing (or wing-like object), (ii) ``drag'' Fd due to air resistance, and (iii) ``gravity'' Fg. Note that ``lift'' is usually perpendicular to the flight direction while ``drag'' is directed in the opposite direction to flight.
These forces are involved in explaining the flight of aeroplanes, birds, flying foxes (bats), flying fish, sugar gliders, etc. Consider a sugar glider (petaurus breviceps) of mass m = 0.118 kg that is gliding from one tree to the next along a straight path at = 20.2o with respect to the horizontal as shown in the diagram. Assuming that there is negligible ``drag'', what is the magnitude of the ``lift'' force (in N)? Read more about sugar gliders here.

I know the answer is so simple... just has me stumped atm!
 

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Assuming that it is traveling with a uniform velocity; what are the conditions for uniform velocity?
 
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