Question

A hornet circles around a pop can at increasing speed while flying in a path with a 12-cm diameter. We can conclude that the hornet's wings must push on the air with force components that are Group of answer choices down and backwards. down, backwards, and outwards. down and inwards. down and outwards. straight down.

Answer 1

down, backwards, and outwards.

Step-by-step explanation:

For a hornet that is accelerating in flight, this means that there is a net forward motion at a relatively constant vertical height above the ground.

For this flight, the wings beat downwards to counter the weight of the hornet due to gravity, keeping it at that height above the floor.

For the hornet to accelerate forward, there has to be a net backwards force by the wing on the air. This backwards force accelerates tr forward due to the absence of an equal opposing force in the opposite direction save for a little drag.

The wings also beat with forces directed outwards to provide centripetal force to keep the hornet stable. The absence of this would cause it to spiral out of control.