Question

A jet plane is flying on a level course at constant speed. The engines are at full throttle.

a. What is the net force on the plane? Explain.

b. Draw a free-body diagram of the plane as seen from the side with the plane flying to the right. Name (don’t just label) any and all forces shown on your diagram.

c. Airplanes bank when they turn. Draw a free-body diagram of the plane as seen from behind as it makes a right turn.

d. Why do planes bank as they turn? Explain.

Short answer

a. The net force on jet plane is zero.

b.

c.

d. A turn in an aircraft is made by banking. The fin ensures the aircraft will actually rotate, instead of just slipping sideways while still heading the same direction.

Step-by-step solution

Given information

A jet plane is flying on a level course at constant speed.

The engines are at full throttle.

Explanation (Part a)

The net force on jet plane is zero.

$$\begin{gathered} weight=lift \\ thrust=drag \end{gathered}$$

Explanation (part b) 

The forces acting on the steady level flight on the jet plane are lift, drag, thrust and weight.

Explanation (part c)

when an aircraft banks the lift the aircraft produces is split into two vectors: Horizonal and vertical. The horizontal component PULLS it through the turn. The Vertical component keeps the aircraft aloft.

Explanation (part d)

A turn in an aircraft is made by banking. The fin ensures the aircraft will actually rotate, instead of just slipping sideways while still heading the same direction.