Question

An airplane's captain lowers the flaps to increase the drag on the plane, creating a non-zero net force. What will be the result of this net force?
A. The plane's mass will increase.
B. The other forces on the plane will increase.
C. The plane will undergo a negative acceleration.
D. The plane will move at a constant velocity.

Answer 1

What do you think?

Answer 2

non-zero net force basically means the forces will be stronger in one direction.

Answer 3

Thank you :)

Answer 4

The definition of drag from NASA is "the aerodynamic force that opposes an aircraft's motion through the air. "

Answer 5

So we know what direction this net force would be in. It would oppose the plane's motion. Planes move forward. So the net force would be backwards. What would this due to the plane's speed?

Answer 6

Decrease it probably

Answer 7

So if a plane's speed is decreasing, it's mass isn't increasing. We can eliminate A. It also doesn't have a constant velocity, since it's velocity is changing. Now, if an objects velocity is changing, what must that mean?

Answer 8

The plane will undergo a negative acceleration

Answer 9

Correct

Answer 10

Thank you for helping me

Answer 11

No problem. Let me know if you need further help.

Answer 12

Moved the question to the Physics section :)