Thrust is the forward movement of the plane. … After this, paper airplanes are really gliders, converting altitude to forward motion. Lift comes when the air below the airplane wing is pushing up harder than the air above it is pushing down. It is this difference in pressure that enables the plane to fly.

What is the science behind a paper plane?

Paper airplanes are subject to the same physics as any jet you see in the sky. The forces of thrust, lift, drag, and gravity all work together to send your homemade aircraft flying. To understand how these forces work to create flight, think about movement: something has to push that plane forward.

What forces work on a paper airplane?

• Thrust – the force that propels their airplane (your arm);
• Drag – the friction between the plane and the air, slowing the plane down;
• Lift – the force that causes the plane to go up;
• Gravity – the force that causes the plane to go down.