the 4 Forces of Flight
By Janiah
Force 1- Lift
When an airplane is flying straight and level at constant speed,the lift produces balance for the weight. Lift is the force that acts at a right angle to the direction of the motion through the air,lift is created by differences in air pressure.
Force 2- Thrust
Thrust is the force that propels a flying machine in the direction of motion,engines produce thrust.It is also the aerodynamic force that pushes or pulls the airplane through space.
Force 3- Weight
Weight is the force of gravity,it acts in a downward direction,toward the center of the earth. Weight opposes lift,weight and lift are equal when a plane flies level at constant velocity.Because excess weight requires more lift,and therefore more thrust. Heavy plane are more harder to get off the ground then lighter planes.Planes with less weight requires less thrust.
Force 4- Drag
Drag is the force that acts opposite to the direction of the motion,drag is also caused by friction and the differences in the air pressure. Drag is also an aerodynamic force that is the opposite. Imagine sticking your hand outside the window of a moving car and flying your hand,the force that pushes your hand back is called ''drag.'' As your hand pushes the wind the wind pushes your hand.