2006-09-01 18:12:39 · 4 answers · asked by Nand Kishore 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Other - Science
Those are actually small clouds, called contrails. As the air flows over the wing surface, its pressure changes. As you change air pressure you change the amount of water vapor that it can hold. Near the wing tips this change is signficant enough to result in condensation forming. Condensation of water vapor in the sky is what clouds are made from.
2006-09-01 18:17:50 · answer #1 · answered by Mack Man 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Aeroplanes burn hydrocarbon fuel which consists of hydrogen and carbon atoms. The carbon combines with oxygen and forms carbon dioxide (which is not visible). The hydrogen combines with oxygen to form H2O which is water. This water is ejected from the engine as steam and rapidly condenses into water vapor (the white streak). If the aircraft is high enough then the vapor freezes into tiny ice particles and become more visible.
2006-09-02 05:15:06 · answer #2 · answered by stuwaudby 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they are called contrails and they are ice crystals left behind after the engines heat up the air at altitude. For example the air at 38000 ft is around -050 F. All the time so the moisture freezes right back.
2006-09-02 01:18:55 · answer #3 · answered by Ivan the Terrible 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is water vapor in the exhaust of the engines that cools and turns into ice crystals.
2006-09-02 01:16:14 · answer #4 · answered by Albannach 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋