Four Forces of Flight

Front

What is a balanced force?

Back

A balanced force occurs when two forces acting on an object are equal in size but opposite in direction, resulting in no change in motion.

Front

What is the difference between mass and weight?

Back

Mass is the amount of matter in an object, measured in kilograms, while weight is the force exerted by gravity on that mass, measured in newtons.

Front

How does gravitational force change with mass?

Back

As mass increases, the gravitational force also increases.

Front

What happens to thrust when an airplane engine cuts out?

Back

Thrust decreases almost immediately when an airplane engine cuts out.

Front

What is thrust?

Back

Thrust is the force that propels an object forward, such as the force produced by an airplane's engines.

Front

What is drag?

Back

Drag is the resistance force that opposes the motion of an object through a fluid, such as air or water.

Front

What is lift?

Back

Lift is the force that acts perpendicular to the direction of motion and supports an object in the air, allowing it to rise.

Front

What is the role of gravity in flight?

Back

Gravity pulls objects toward the Earth, and in flight, it acts against lift.

Front

What is the normal force?

Back

The normal force is the support force exerted upon an object that is in contact with a surface, acting perpendicular to that surface.

Front

What is friction?

Back

Friction is the force that opposes the relative motion of two surfaces in contact.