AY Honors/Kites/Answer Key

1. When were kites first made and flown? Name at least three ways kites have helped in scientific research and tell how each has affected the world we live in. Tell the story of Benjamin Franklin and his kite.

Approximately 2800 years ago the kite was first invented and popularized in China, where materials ideal for kite building were readily available: silk fabric for sail material, fine, high-tensile-strength silk for flying line, and resilient bamboo for a strong, lightweight framework. The kite was said to be the invention of the famous 5th century BC Chinese philosophers Mozi and Lu Ban. By at least 549 AD paper kites were being flown, as it was recorded in that year a paper kite was used as a message for a rescue mission.

Scientific Advances

In 1749, Scottish scientist Alexander Wilson used several kites, attached in a row, to measure and compare air temperature at different altitudes.

The Wright Brothers experimented with kites and contributed to development of the airplane.

In the summer of 1997, researchers launched parafoil kites into the nighttime sky. Radiomicrophones were suspended beneath the kites at three different locations, each separated by 300 meters. This enabled the scientists to simultaneously eavesdrop at different altitudes. These studies have enabled scientists to gain new information into the world of bats.

Kites equiped with airborne cameras can be used to map archeological sites or to inexpensively monitor areas where erosion, sedimentation, deforestation, or construction are rapidly changing the landscape.

Ben Frankin's Kite

In June 1752, in what is the most famous of kite experiments, the American inventor and statesman Benjamin Franklin, with the aid of his son, lofted a flat kite fitted with a pointed wire and silk sail on a hemp line during a thunderstorm. Somehow both father and son avoided electrocution as a metal key attached to the flying line became electrified. Franklin proved that lightning was the natural phenomenon called electricity, not the wrath of the gods. One immediate and practical outcome of the experiment was Franklin's invention of the lightning rod.

On October 19 in a letter to England explaining directions for repeating the experiment, Franklin wrote:

"When rain has wet the kite twine so that it can conduct the electric fire freely, you will find it streams out plentifully from the key at the approach of your knuckle, and with this key a phial, or Leiden jar, maybe charged: and from electric fire thus obtained spirits may be kindled, and all other electric experiments [may be] performed which are usually done by the help of a rubber glass globe or tube; and therefore the sameness of the electrical matter with that of lightening completely demonstrated."

2. Name some of the ways that kites might be used today.

Kites are use today for the following:

1. Predicts weather
2. Carries loads of water
3. Spaceflight
4. Pulling ships at sea
5. Recreation

3. Explain briefly how kites fly.

The kites get a lift from the wind in the sky. The same current of air keeps them in flight up on the sky. The higher the kite gets the stronger the current and the longer your kite will stay up in the air. Flying Kites is something that people enjoy all over the world!

4. Define the following terms:

a. Spine

The center rod that runs lengthwise down a kite. May also be called a longeron.

b. Spar

The sticks used as the frame of a kite.

c. Vent

The vent helps lift the kite.

d. Bowstring

The bowstring is tied from each end of the spar, making the spar bow-shaped, and giving the kite its wing-shape.

e. Cover

The cloth or lifting part of a kite

f. Frame

The frame makes the shape of the kite

g. Tail

The tail is a length of nylon or plastic which is attached to the kite for visual effect or to cause drag (on a single line kite)that helps with stability.

h. Keel

The keel is a triangular piece of cloth used in lieu of a bridle. It helps with stability just like the keel of a boat.

i. Flying line

What a person holds on to it to control the kite

j. Bridle

Lines that form the junction between kite and flying line. The bridle transmits the commands of the pilot to the kite.

k. Reel

The reel lets out the line

5. What is a common cause of kite failure?

Lack of wind, trees, power lines, and essential parts of the kite breaking (e.g. to much wind can break the kite string.)

6. What should be done when a kite loops during flight?

You should pull the kite down diagonally from you and closer to you. The closer you have it, the more control of it you will have too. Most importantly keep the kite close and under your control so this effect on the kite won't occur.

7. Why is a tail sometimes needed on a kite?

A kite's tail is used to add stability to the kite and keep it from looping. Some put them on the kite so that when in the air it will wave along the wind - for decoration.

8. Know at least three safety rules for kite flying.

1. Never fly a kite when it's raining and lightning.
2. Do not fly a kite by roads.
3. Do not fly by power lines.

9. Do the following:

b. Tie broken ends with the fisherman's knot.

Adventist Youth Honors Answer Book/Knot/Fisherman's bend