Explain why a jet fighter pilot experiences "weightlessness" when at the top of a loop-the-loop manoeuvre.

The the pilot will experience two forces acting upon him in opposing directions: gravity and centripetal force. The centripetal force will act outwards from the jet's circular path i.e. towards space; gravity will act downwards towards the Earth. At the top of the loop path, the pilot will experience both forces acting in opposite directions but of equal magnitude. It must be noted that the pilot will experience weightlessness when
centripetal force FC = m•v2/r = gravitational force = FG = mg,
where m is the mass of the pilot, v tangental velocity and r the radius of the loop.
The question could be modified so that the student has to find the value of v (jet tangental velocity) where the pilot would be "weightless".

IF
Answered by Isaac F. Physics tutor

4244 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is "half-life"?


What is the threshold frequency of a photon to excite and then emit photoelectrons from a material?


An ultraviolet wave of continuous frequency reflects from a solid surface back in the direction of the transmitter. Assuming no amplitude is lost, describe and explain the behaviour of the particles in the medium between the transmitter and surface.


What is a standard candle?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning