Chapter P.1, Problem 16P

Pulling Out of a Dive

Falcons are excellent fliers that can reach very high speeds by diving nearly straight down. To pull out of such a dive, a falcon extends its wings and flies through a circular are that redirects its motion. The forces on the falcon that control its motion are its weight and an upward lift force-like an airplane- due to the air flowing over its wings. At the bottom of the are, as in Figure 1.3, a falcon can easily achieve an acceleration of 15 m/s².

FIGURE 1.3

At the bottom of the are, as in Figure 1.3, what is the direction of the net force on the falcon?

A falcon starts from rest, does a free-fall dive from a height of 30 m, and then pulls out by flying in a circular are of radius 50 m. Which segment of the motion has a higher acceleration?

A. The free-fall dive

B. The circular are

C. The two accelerations are equal.