Worksheet #2

Student Name: _______________________

Date: __________________________________
How do aerodynamic forces affect flight?
For this part of the assignment, it will require you to draw a plane about the
situation I am explaining; with the use of arrows you will show which
direction the plane is flying because of the forces of drag and thrust being
placed on the plane.
Drag: is the resistance you feel when you skate, ski, or fun faster. You
encounter drag as you move through the air or water. When you feel drag,
you are pushed back.
Thrust: is the forward pushing force. It is the force the opposes drag. (The
Thrill of Flight).
Time to draw!
1. What direction would the plane be going in when thrust is greater than
drag?
Thrust > Drag

2. What direction would the plane be traveling in when thrust is less than
drag?
Thrust < Drag

3. What direction would the plane be traveling in when thrust equals drag?
Thrust = Drag