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Q:

What is the connection between thrust and drag?

A:

Thrust and drag are two of the four forces of flight. Thrust is the force that propels a flying machine in the direction of motion. But drag is the force that acts opposite to the direction of motion. Thrust and drag are like opposites: they push the airplane, or any flying object, in opposite directions.

 

Thrust is used to make an airplane go or gain speed. But drag actually slows down an airplane and is needed when landing. Drag does not work in space, but thrust does. Astronauts use thrust to move rockets just like pilots use thrust to fly airplanes.

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