MadSci Network: Physics
Query:

Re: The Formula for how much lift is needed for a certain weight?

Date: Sun Mar 28 10:17:37 1999
Posted By: Tom Cull, MadSci Admin
Area of science: Physics
ID: 922310674.Ph
Message:

Lift is a force and so is weight.  Forces are vectors.  If weight is directed
down then lift is the force that is directed up that arises from a difference in
pressure a wing and/or the component of thrust that is directed upward.

The minimum amount of lift required to maintain flight is equal to the weight of
the object.  To get off the ground the lift must be greater than the weight to 
create an acceleration component in the upward direction.

Lift is primary a function of airspeed, wing shape, thrust in the upward
direction, and air pressure.

Sincerely,
Tom "Fly By Night" Cull


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