Opposing Forces
What two forces oppose each other to move an object forward through the air?
Thrust and drag
Which force pushes an object forward?
Thrust
Which force pulls objects downward?
Weight
Name one way forces affect flight.
Speed, direction, or altitude (any one)
What is buoyant force?
An upward force from a fluid that opposes weight
What two forces oppose each other to keep something in the air?
Lift and weight
Which force slows an object down in the air?
Drag
Which force pushes objects upward?
Lift
What force affects how fast something moves?
Thrust and drag
What happens when buoyant force is greater than weight?
The object floats
If thrust increases, what happens to movement when drag stays the same?
The object speeds up / moves forward faster
Is drag acting with or against the direction of motion?
Against the direction of motion
What must happen for an object to stay in the air?
Lift must equal or be greater than weight
What happens to altitude if lift increases?
Altitude increases / the object goes up
What happens when buoyant force is less than weight?
The object sinks
If the weight is greater than the lift, what will happen to an object in flight?
It will fall/lose altitude
Give an example of something that increases drag.
Parachute, large surface area, rough surface (any one)
What happens if lift equals weight?
The object stays at the same height (level flight)
How can forces affect direction (horizontal or vertical movement)?
Changing the balance of forces can move an object up, down, or forward
Name one traditional technology that uses forces.
Bow and arrow, slingshot, or fishing spear
Explain how opposing forces work together to control flight.
Opposing forces balance each other (thrust vs drag, lift vs weight) to control speed, direction, and height
Explain how thrust and drag affect the speed of an object.
If thrust is greater than drag, the object speeds up; if drag is greater than thrust, it slows down
Explain how lift is created in flight.
Lift is created by air moving over and under a surface (like wings), pushing upward
Describe how all four forces work together during flight.
Thrust moves forward, drag resists motion, lift pushes up, and weight pulls down
Explain how buoyancy and gravity work together to determine floating or sinking.
If buoyant force is greater than gravity (weight), it floats; if less, it sinks