Question

The vertical component of the acceleration of a sailplane is zero when the air pushes up against its wings with a lift force of 5.20 kN. Assume that the only forces on the sailplane are that due to gravity and that due to the air pushing up against its wings. What will be the gravitational force on Earth due to the sailplane

Answer 1

Answer:

Explanation:

The vertical component of the acceleration of a sailplane is zero , that means the sailplane is experiencing net force of zero in vertical direction . Its weight is acting in downward direction . So airplane is also experiencing an upward force equal to its weight  which is making net force equal to zero on it . This force is given as 5.20 k N .

So sailplane is experiencing an upward force equal to its weight . This force is generated due to air pushing up against its wings .

We know that every force generated has equal and opposite reaction force . Air is generating force on wings of sailplane , hence wings will also exert equal force on air on downward direction . This force will be transmitted to the earth by air .

Hence the gravitational force on Earth due to the sailplane will be equal to weight of sailplane . This force is 5.2 kN .