17.4. Applications of Drag and Lift

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is drag?

   Hint

   Think about what slows something down in the air.

2. 2.

   Define lift.

   Hint

   Consider forces acting on an airplane.

3. 3.

   What does drag do?

   • Opposes motion
   • Aids motion

   Hint

   Think about what slows objects down.

4. 4.

   The drag coefficient is a measure of:

   • Weight
   • Drag Efficiency
   • Speed

   Hint

   Remember what C_d represents in formulas.

5. 5.

   A helicopter rotor blade needs to sustain lift to maintain altitude against gravity. If the weight of the helicopter is 5000 N and the lift force is 5500 N, what will happen?

   Hint

   Compare lift and weight to determine motion.

6. 6.

   Describe how altering the shape of a car can influence its drag coefficient and overall fuel efficiency on the highway.

   Hint

   Think about how shapes affect airflow.