Air glider question and air resistance

In summary, the conversation discusses the landing of a glider used in early space shuttle test flights. It mentions the glider's initial launch speed and height, as well as its landing speed and glide angle. The conversation also mentions the absence of air resistance and the average force of air resistance exerted on the glider. The speaker attempts to solve the second part of the problem by calculating the work done by air resistance. They use the Pythagorean theorem and energy calculations to find the air resistance force, which they determine to be -1897.8N.
  • #1
BJducky
6
0

Homework Statement


Early test flights for the space shuttle used as a glider (mass of 980kg). After a horizontal launch at 480 km/h at a height of 3500m, the glider eventually landed at a speed of 210 km/h. What would its landing speed have been in the absence of air resistance? also, what was the average force of air resistance exerted on it if it came in at a constant glide angle of 12degrees to the Earth's surface?

I attempted the first question by calculating the vertical component of the velocity and then using the Pythagorean theorem to calculate compound velocity. However, how I am completely at a loss of how to approach the second part. Please help.
 
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  • #2
HINT: What is the work done by air resistance?
 
  • #3
So, by using the theta and the given vertical component, I was able to find the total distance. Then, using the initial PE and final KE, I found the difference in energy lost and therefore work done by the air, setting up the equation W=fd I got f(air resistance)=-1897.8N. Does that sound right to you guys?
 

Related to Air glider question and air resistance

1. What is an air glider?

An air glider is a type of aircraft that is designed to fly using the principles of aerodynamics. It does not have any engines or propulsion systems, but instead relies on the force of air resistance and gravity to stay in the air.

2. How does an air glider work?

An air glider works by generating lift, which is the force that keeps it in the air. This is achieved by the shape of the wings, which creates a difference in air pressure. The air moving over the curved upper surface of the wing travels faster than the air moving under the flat bottom surface, creating an area of low pressure on top of the wing. This difference in pressure results in an upward force that keeps the glider aloft.

3. What is air resistance?

Air resistance is the force that opposes the motion of an object through the air. It is caused by the collisions of air molecules with the surface of the object. The larger the surface area of the object, the greater the air resistance will be.

4. How does air resistance affect an air glider?

Air resistance plays a crucial role in the flight of an air glider. As the glider moves through the air, it experiences a force of air resistance that acts in the opposite direction of its motion. This force can either slow down the glider or change its direction, making it important for pilots to account for air resistance when controlling the glider.

5. How can air resistance be reduced in an air glider?

There are several ways to reduce air resistance in an air glider. One way is to make the glider more streamlined, with a smooth and curved shape that allows air to flow around it more easily. Another way is to reduce the surface area of the glider, which decreases the amount of air resistance acting on it. Additionally, keeping the glider at a constant speed and using proper techniques while flying can also help reduce air resistance.

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