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Figure 9 shows a free body diagram for an aeroplane flying at a constant speed and at a constant height - AQA - GCSE Physics Combined Science - Question 6 - 2019 - Paper 2

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Figure 9 shows a free body diagram for an aeroplane flying at a constant speed and at a constant height. The speed of the aeroplane is much greater than the speed a... show full transcript

Worked Solution & Example Answer:Figure 9 shows a free body diagram for an aeroplane flying at a constant speed and at a constant height - AQA - GCSE Physics Combined Science - Question 6 - 2019 - Paper 2

Step 1

Explain how the forces need to change so the aeroplane can land.

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Answer

As the aeroplane approaches landing, the thrust must decrease significantly. This allows for an increase in air resistance or drag, which will counterbalance the thrust. Since the aeroplane is decelerating, the lift must also decrease because it cannot exceed the weight—which remains constant. Therefore, a resultant downward force must be established so that the aircraft can safely descend to the runway.

Step 2

Calculate the mass of the aeroplane.

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Answer

To find the mass of the aeroplane, we first need to calculate the deceleration:

  1. Initial speed, u=80m/su = 80 \, m/s
  2. Final speed, v=10m/sv = 10 \, m/s
  3. Time, t=28st = 28 \, s

Using the formula for acceleration:
a=vut=108028=2.5(m/s2)a = \frac{v - u}{t} = \frac{10 - 80}{28} = -2.5 \,(m/s^2)

Next, we apply Newton's second law:
F=maF = m \cdot a
Given that the resultant force F=750000NF = -750000 \, N:
750000=m(2.5)-750000 = m \cdot (-2.5)
Rearranging gives:
m=7500002.5=300000kgm = \frac{-750000}{-2.5} = 300000 \, kg

Thus, the mass of the aeroplane is:
Mass = 300,000 kg.

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