KITES ARE FLYING IN THE SKY

KITES - The wind exerts a force on the kite. You can feel this force when you stand with the kite in the wind. The wind pushes the kite (and you). The force can be so strong that you find it difficult to stand still. The wind will blow you away.

The wind also pushes the kite when it flies. It cannot blow the kite away as the kite is tied to the string. But the wind can blow the kite up into the air because the kite is at a slight angle to the wind.

. When the kite is flying there are three forces in action. There is the force from the kite string, the force of the wind and the force of gravity.

. The force of the wind pushes the kite upwards and backwards.
. The force of the kite string pushes the kite forwards and downwards.
. The force of gravity pulls the kite straight down to the ground.
. The wind pushes the kite backwards as much as the kite string pushes it forwards
. The wind pushes the kite up as much as gravity and the kite string pull it down.
. When the kite stops still in the air, it is said to be in equilibrium.