9781422282977

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Science and Energy

SCIENCE AND Transportation

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Words to Understand aerodynamics  the study of objects moving through air composite  made of two or more materials electrons  negatively charged subatomic particles hybrid  a vehicle with an engine that runs on electricity and some type of chemical fuel neutrons  subatomic particles that have no electrical charge protons  positively charged subatomic particles quantum  the smallest unit to measure a physical property, such as light solvent  a substance that dissolves another substance

F or most people, flying is the fastest form of transportation. A traveler can take a plane from one end of the planet to another in a relatively short period. But, when it comes right down to it, today’s airliners haven’t really changed much since your grandparents were parents.Airliners still rely on two wings, jets engines (or propellers), a fuselage, a tail, and vertical and horizontal stabilizers that allow the plane to ascend and descend in a controlled manner.