To solve this problem, we need to employ Bernoulli's equation, which is applied to describe the behavior of fluid flow. For a fluid in steady flow, the principle states that the sum of the pressure potential energy density, kinetic energy density, and the gravitational potential energy density has the same value at all points along a streamline. Since the plane is in level flight, we can ignore changes in gravitational potential energy. Bernoulli's equation can be written as:
P1+21ρv12=P2+21ρv22,
where,
- P1 and P2 are the static pressures on the lower and upper surfaces of the wing respectively,
- v1 is the airspeed over the lower surface of the wing,
- v2 is the airspeed over the upper surface of the wing,
- ρ is the density of air,
- P_2 > P_1 because v_2 > v_1 .
First, let's convert the airspeeds to m/s :
v1=180hkm×3600s1000m=50m/s,
v2=252hkm×3600s1000m=70m/s.
The pressure difference between the lower and upper wing surfaces can thus be calculated using Bernoulli's equation:
ΔP=P1−P2=21ρv22−21ρv12.
Substitute the values (with ρ=1 kg/m3 ):
ΔP=21(1 kg/m3)(70m/s)2−21(1 kg/m3)(50m/s)2,
ΔP=21(4900 kg/m⋅s2)−21(2500 kg/m⋅s2),
ΔP=21(2400 kg/m⋅s2),
ΔP=1200 N/m2.
The lift force generated by the pressure difference over one wing is ΔP×wing area , and since there are two wings, we must double the lift force generated by one wing to find the total lift force sustaining the plane. The weight of the plane is effectively the lift force when in level flight at constant speed. So:
Lift=2×ΔP×wing area,
Lift=2×1200 N/m2×40 m2,
Lift=2×48000N,
Lift=96000N.
To find the mass m of the plane, we use Newton's second law, where lift force is equal to the weight ( mg , where g is the acceleration due to gravity):
mg=Lift,
m=gLift,
m=10m/s296000N,
m=9600kg.
Therefore, the mass of the plane is 9600 kg.