Chapter P.1, Problem 14P

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. To the left, opposite the motion

B. To the right, in the direction of the motion

C. Up

D. Down

E. The net force is zero.