In: Physics
An airplane has an effective wing surface area of 19.0 m2 that is generating the lift force. In level flight the air speed over the top of the wings is 55.0 m/s, while the air speed beneath the wings is 35.0 m/s. What is the weight of the plane?
The weight of the plane can be determined by applying Bernoulli's equation to the airflow top and beneath the wings of the plane.
The height difference between the wings is negligible, therefore we can ignore the effect due to change in gravitational potential energy.
Since the flight is in level this lift force balances the weight of the plane.