is it because the shape of the paper plane creates lift. And while the gravity creates a drag, the paper plane flies. I'm not sure. please help me; thnks
2007-07-04 00:07:29 · 12 answers · asked by emo booyyyyyyyyyyyy 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
It is a controlled descent to ground. Gravity forces the paper plane downwards, but the geometry of the plane combined with its velocity (launch velocity or velocity due to gravity) creates lift which opposes gravity. It is this lifting force which slows down the descent rate.
If you are vector inclined, plot the weight and lift vectors, you can easily see how it "floats".
Same case as in a glider.
2007-07-04 00:25:51 · answer #1 · answered by ? 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Inertia of the launch keeps it going.
Drag on the plane in the air uses up the original input and slows it down.
2007-07-04 07:15:27 · answer #2 · answered by Billy Butthead 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nothing at all "makes it continue moving."
Newton's First Law of Motion is that an object in motion remains in motion until acted upon by an outside force.
In other words, "what makes it keep movng" is the wrong question: it is the natural state of any object to keep moving in a straight line at constant speed.
The correct question would be, "what makes the airplane slow down and stop?" The answer is "the forces of air resistance, drag, and friction."
2007-07-04 07:20:02 · answer #3 · answered by ZikZak 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
the power that came from the launcher. the momentum of the doer before launching it. inertia, since an object does not move or does not accelerate/keeps moving if an outside force does not affect it. also, air resistance on the paper plane.
2007-07-04 07:19:17 · answer #4 · answered by clickdrocks 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is powered at first, it just doesn't carry out til the end. When you throw the plane you give it energy to make it go a certain distance and eventually the energy you gave will be dragged down by gravity
2007-07-04 07:10:23 · answer #5 · answered by David 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The momentum keeps them moving and yes, aerodynamic forces also act depending on the shape and the direction of launch etc.
2007-07-04 07:19:21 · answer #6 · answered by Swamy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When you throw that paper airplane, you are putting energy into it and upon release, that energy will carry it until gravity and the laws of motion expend that original input.
Sandy :O)
2007-07-04 07:16:19 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
gravity and lift and laws of motion
2007-07-04 07:10:04 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Visit this site:
http://www.howstuffworks.com/airplane.htm
and by the way; Inertia has nothing to do with it.
2007-07-04 07:41:23 · answer #9 · answered by ehabhamdy1983 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
inertia....and the laws of physics..
2007-07-04 07:14:33 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋