Airplane Pilot, dealing with Uniform Circular Motion

In summary, the pilot's weight and the upward acceleration result in a net force of m(a+g) acting on the pilot by the airplane seat.
  • #1
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Homework Statement


A 78.4-kg airplane pilot pulls out of a dive by following, at a constant speed of 162 km/h, the arc of a circle whose radius is 321.0 m. At the bottom of the circle, he is accelerating at 6.31 m/s upwards. What is the force exerted on the pilot by the airplane seat?


Homework Equations


Fnet = ma ...?


The Attempt at a Solution



I found the net force acting on him at the bottom of the circle, which is 494.7N...but I don't know how this relates to the force I'm looking for?
 
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  • #2
Weight of the pilot acts on the seat in the downward direction. The seat reacts in the opposite direction. Hence net force exerted on the pilot by the air plane seat is...?
 
  • #3
Since if the plane were sitting motionless, the pilot would feel his weight, mg, on the seat with this upward acceleration, he will feel and additional force ma.

The total will be ma+mg= m(a+ g).
 

FAQ: Airplane Pilot, dealing with Uniform Circular Motion

1. How does an airplane pilot deal with uniform circular motion?

An airplane pilot deals with uniform circular motion by using the ailerons on the wings to control the roll of the airplane, the elevator on the tail to control the pitch, and the rudder on the tail to control the yaw. These control surfaces are adjusted to create the necessary centripetal force to maintain a circular path.

2. What is the centripetal force in uniform circular motion for an airplane?

The centripetal force in uniform circular motion for an airplane is the force that keeps the airplane moving in a circular path. It is equal to the product of the airplane's mass, velocity squared, and the radius of the circular path. The force is directed towards the center of the circle.

3. How does the speed of an airplane affect its uniform circular motion?

The speed of an airplane affects its uniform circular motion by changing the amount of centripetal force needed to maintain the circular path. As the speed increases, the centripetal force also increases, and the control surfaces need to be adjusted accordingly. Higher speeds may also require a larger radius for the circular path to prevent the airplane from stalling.

4. Can an airplane perform uniform circular motion at any altitude?

Yes, an airplane can perform uniform circular motion at any altitude. As long as the necessary centripetal force is created, the altitude does not affect the airplane's ability to maintain a circular path. However, higher altitudes may require adjustments in airspeed and control surface usage due to changes in air density and pressure.

5. What happens if an airplane does not have enough centripetal force during uniform circular motion?

If an airplane does not have enough centripetal force during uniform circular motion, it will begin to deviate from its circular path. This can result in the airplane rolling, pitching, or yawing in an undesired direction. If the force is not corrected, it can lead to loss of control and potentially a crash. Pilots are trained to recognize and respond to these situations to maintain safe flight.

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