How does the weight of an paper air plane affect the flight?

Question

I tested it and it came out that when u put more weight on it it goes the farest. Why is this?

Answer 1

The distance it goes is judged by the forces acting on it. If it is lighter the speed imparted and hence its momentum is less and so easy surrender to the drag forces and hence the shorter range. Heavier means more momentum, more displacement and less inclination to wander. However after certain weight, it becomes more of a projectile than a glider.

Light weight designs with good glide ratio should give the same or even better performance though.

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Edit: John B, the wrist snap and hand speed decides how much momentum is imparted. Once that is done, it is pure aerodynamics or projectiles.

Answer 2

The best glide ratio will be the same no matter the weight in a calm wind Firefox. It'll just get there faster the heavier it is. All kinds of variable come into play when tossing a paper airplane such as momentum, hand speed, wrist snap etc. that don't have anything to do with aerodynamics.