Question

A sparrow is flying around in a circle at a constant speed and height. there is air resistance. In what direction is the net force of the sparrow on the air as the sparrow flies. 1. outward and downward 2.Inward and Downward 3.Downward and Backward 4. outward, downward and backward

Answer 1

Option 3 = Downward and Backward

Step-by-step explanation:

While moving in a circle, the bird will experience following forces:

1. Inward force (Centripetal Force)
2. Outward force (Centrifugal Force)
3. Backward force (due to air resistance)
4. Downward force (due to Gravitational Force)

The first two forces are due to circular motion and these are equal in magnitude (mv^2/r) but opposite in direction hence nullifying each other's effect.

Air resistance is forcing the bird backward while earth's gravitational field attracting it downward by a force weight = mg (where m= mass of body ; g=gravitational acceleration = 9.8m/s^2).

Bird is putting force to overcome these two forces and eventually maintaining a uniform speed and constant height