Question

an airplane is traveling in level flight at a constant velocity. l is the lift, w is the weight, t is the thrust, and d is the drag. which of the diagrams is the correct free - body force diagram for the airplane? (figures 1 - 5 are shown above the multiple - choice section. the multiple - choice options are: figure 2, figure 4, figure 3, figure 1, figure 5, each with a radio button.)

Explanation:

For an airplane in level, constant - velocity flight, the net force is zero (Newton's first law). In the vertical direction, lift ($L$) balances weight ($W$) ($L = W$). In the horizontal direction, thrust ($T$) balances drag ($D$) ($T = D$). Looking at the figures, Figure 2 has $L$ upward, $W$ downward (vertical balance), $T$ forward, and $D$ backward (horizontal balance), which matches the force equilibrium conditions.

Answer:

Figure 2