Beginner's Guide to Aerodynamics
Density and Lift Activity

 Note: For Density Problems, use the formula D=M/V

 For problems 1-4, use the mass and volume given to find the density of the column of air.

(1) Mass = 10 kg & Volume = 8m³

Density =_________

(2) Mass = 15 kg & Volume = 10m³

Density = _________

(3) Mass = 5 kg & Volume = 2m x 2m x 2m (Hint: You first need to calculate the volume!)

Density = _________

(4) Mass = 35 kg & Volume = 3m x 3m x 3m

Density = _________

Now answer the following questions.

(5) Looking at your answers above, which density will produce the greatest amount of lift?

 

(6) Which will produce the least amount of lift?

 

(7) Given your answers to Problems 5 & 6 above, briefly state what effect the density of the air has on the lift of an airplane.