NASA Logo - Web Link to NASA.gov Vertical Line

+ Text Only Site
+ Non-Flash Version
+ Contact Glenn

Go
ABOUT NASA NEWS AND EVENTS MULTIMEDIA MISSIONS MyNASA WORK FOR NASA


Beginner's Guide to Aerodynamics
Density and Lift Activity


Open the slide called Air Density and study the examples. Next, open the slide called Momentum Effects. Look at the very bottom of the page, noting how changes in density affect the lift.

 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.

 


Related Pages:
Standards
Worksheet
Lesson Index
Aerodynamics Index

 

     First Gov Image


+ Inspector General Hotline
+ Equal Employment Opportunity Data Posted Pursuant to the No Fear Act
+ Budgets, Strategic Plans and Accountability Reports
+ Freedom of Information Act
+ The President's Management Agenda
+ NASA Privacy Statement, Disclaimer,
and Accessibility Certification

 

NASA Logo   
Editor: Tom Benson
NASA Official: Tom Benson
Last Updated: Thu, May 13 02:38:26 PM EDT 2021

+ Contact Glenn