What is the effect on the speed of a fighter plane chasing another when it opens fire? What happens to the speed of persued plane when it returns the fire?
When a fighter plane opens fire while chasing another, it doesn't directly affect the speed of the pursuing plane. The act of firing guns or launching missiles does not cause a change in the fighter plane's velocity. However, the firing does introduce some external forces that can affect the motion of both planes.
The primary effect of firing weapons is the recoil force generated by the weapons themselves. As bullets or missiles are fired, the plane experiences a backward force due to the equal and opposite reaction described by Newton's third law of motion. This recoil force can cause a slight deceleration or change in the direction of the pursuing plane.
In terms of the pursued plane, when it returns fire, its speed can be influenced in a couple of ways. Firstly, the act of firing can introduce recoil forces similar to the pursuing plane. This recoil may cause a slight change in speed or direction for the pursuing plane. Additionally, if the pursued plane successfully hits the pursuing plane, it can potentially cause damage, affecting the performance of the aircraft, and thus impacting its speed and maneuverability.
It's important to note that these effects on speed are generally small and often overshadowed by other factors, such as the engines' thrust, aerodynamic considerations, and pilot skill. The complex nature of aerial combat involves multiple variables, making it challenging to isolate the specific impact of firing weapons on the speed of the planes.