Question

A group of students is developing a paper airplane to model the forces of flight.

The goal of the design is to have the plane fly straight, with the wings as
parallel to the ground as possible. After building the model plane, students test
its ability to fly through the air. Below is a record of the tests that were
C performed and the students' observations.
Test
Observation
Test 1
Plane flew 3 feet but drifted left
Test 2
Plane flew 2.6 feet
Test 3
Plane flew 2.8 feet but drifted left
Based on the data collected, what can the students do to modify their design?

Answer 1

To improve the flight of their paper airplane, the students can make several modifications: adjust the weight distribution, tweak the wing design, and experiment with different launch techniques.

Step-by-step explanation:

Based on the data collected, there are a few modifications the students can make to their design to improve the flight of their paper airplane:

1. Adjust the weight distribution: If the plane is consistently drifting to the left, it may suggest that there is too much weight on the left side. The students can try adding a small weight, like a paperclip, to the right side to balance it out.
2. Tweak the wing design: The plane may be experiencing more lift on one side, causing it to drift. The students can try adjusting the angle or shape of the wings to achieve better balance and stability.
3. Check the launch technique: The way the plane is launched can also affect its flight path. The students can experiment with different launch angles and speeds to see if it makes a difference.