Question
A paraglider is flying horizontally at a constant speed. Assume that only two forces act on it in the vertical direction, its weight and a vertical lift force exerted on its wings by the air. The lift force has a magnitude of 1900 N. For both questions, take the upward direction to be the +y direction.
If the lift force should suddenly decrease to 1000 N, what would be the vertical acceleration of the glider
If the lift force should suddenly decrease to 1000 N, what would be the vertical acceleration of the glider
Answers
1900 N must be the weight, since it flies horizontally with that lift force. The mass must be 1900 N/g = 193.9 kg
The presumably includes the weight of the person flying the paraglider.
With a lift force of 1000 N, there is a net downward force of 900 N. The acceleration would be
F/m = 900 N/(1900 N/g) = (9/19)*g
= 4.64 m/s^2
The presumably includes the weight of the person flying the paraglider.
With a lift force of 1000 N, there is a net downward force of 900 N. The acceleration would be
F/m = 900 N/(1900 N/g) = (9/19)*g
= 4.64 m/s^2