Weightlessness can be experienced in an airplane by having the plane descend just right. How does this work? Is this weightlessness real or just simulated?
Weightlessness experienced in an airplane is not simulated; it is a real phenomenon caused by a specific type of descent known as parabolic flight. During this maneuver, the plane follows a curved path called a parabola, resulting in a temporary state of weightlessness for the passengers inside the aircraft.
To understand how this works, let's break it down step by step:
1. Gravity: When we feel weight, it is simply the force of gravity pulling us toward the Earth. In normal circumstances, gravity consistently acts on our bodies, giving us a sense of weight.
2. Parabolic flight: During a parabolic flight, a specially designed airplane climbs at a steep angle and then noses over and descends rapidly. As the plane ascends, the engines produce a force greater than the force of gravity, creating a sensation of increased weight.
3. Top of the parabola: At the highest point of the parabola, the plane levels off for a brief period. During this time, the force produced by the engines is equal to the force of gravity, resulting in a state of apparent weightlessness. This is because the forces acting on the passengers cancel each other out, and they experience a sensation of floating or weightlessness.
4. Descending portion: As the plane starts descending, the engines reduce thrust, causing the force produced to be smaller than the force of gravity. This sudden decrease in force results in a sensation of reduced weight or even floating upwards for a brief moment.
It is important to note that this type of weightlessness is temporary and lasts only for about 20-30 seconds during each parabolic flight. It is a real experience that replicates the conditions astronauts encounter in space. However, the aircraft used for parabolic flights is not actually leaving Earth's atmosphere.
Parabolic flights are used for scientific research, training of astronauts, and sometimes even for recreational purposes.