Jet travel

Jet travel

Pencil and paperOnline interactive
Overview
Using this Resource
Connecting to the Curriculum
Marking Student Responses
Further Resources
This task is about flight.

Question 2Change answer

a)  Jet aircraft have pressurised cabins when flying at 10 000 m. Give two reasons why the conditions inside the plane need to be different from the conditions found outside the plane.
1. 2.

Question 2Change answer

b)  In some areas around the world, there are strong winds known as jet streams.
     These winds can move at 290 km/h.
     Why do aircraft sometimes choose courses (flight paths) to fly with these winds?
jet-travel-wing-1.png
normal wing
jet-travel-wing-2.png
wing with flap down

Question 2Change answer

c)  When an aircraft lands, the pilot moves some parts of the wing down like in the diagram.
     Why is this done?

Question 2Change answer

d)  What is the name of the force which planes need to overcome to take off and get into the air?
Task administration: 
This task can be completed with pencil and paper or online.
Level:
4
Curriculum info: 
Science, Communicating in science, Physical World
Keywords: 
physics concepts, gravity, flight, temperature, graph interpretation, atmospheric pressure, speed
Description of task: 
Three key variables related to high altitude flight are displayed graphically. Students use the information provided to answer a series of questions about flight.
Curriculum Links: 
Science capabilities
The capabilities focus is brought about by the conversations you have and the questions you ask.
 
Capability: Interpret representations
This resource provides opportunities to discuss various ways of reading graphs.
Science capabilities: 
Interpret representations
Answers/responses: 
  

Y8 (11/2001)
a) Any 2 of: 

  • Because it is much colder outside.
  • Because there is much less/not enough oxygen outside.
  • Because a lack of pressure can cause problems that are related to altitude, e.g., nausea, breathing difficulties, etc.
 2 correct - very difficult
 1 correct - easy
b) Any 1 of: 

  • Because the wind behind them can make the plane go faster.
  • The plane would use less fuel.
 moderate
c) Because it increases air resistance.
 
To slow it down.		 2 correct - very difficult
1 correct - moderate
d) gravity moderate