fall out of their seats if there is no belt to hold them in place?
2006-06-05 11:08:29 · 4 answers · asked by jlynn 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Other - Science
It depends on the speed of the plane V and the radius of the circle R. The centripetal acceleration (acceleration of the plane toward the center of the circle) is V^2/R. If V is in ft/sec and R is in ft, the answer is in ft/sec^2. If this number is greater than gravitational acceleration (32 ft/sec^2) the passengers stay in their seats; if less than G they fall out of their seats, and if equal to G they are in free fall and can easily drift from their seats. Google "vomit comet" for a practical illustration of the principle.
2006-06-10 07:10:51 · answer #1 · answered by kirchwey 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When a plane flies upside down in a straight line, yes, when it is doing a loop, no. For the same reason when you swing a bucket of water in a circle, the water stays in the bucket without a "seatbelt".
2006-06-05 18:19:26 · answer #2 · answered by brooks163 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think they would only fall if the normal acceleration is lower than that of gravity, if you draw a free body diagram you will see that, unless i am missing some forces
2006-06-05 18:17:33 · answer #3 · answered by midwakh 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on how fast the airplane is going. There would have to be more information, but logically .. yes they would.
2006-06-05 18:12:11 · answer #4 · answered by Kari Ann 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋