Cadet Competition Written Practice Exam

Airflow over the top of a wing in flight travels _____ than the airflow beneath the wing.

1. Slower

2. Faster

3. Equal

4. Lower

The correct answer is: Faster

The airflow over the top of a wing in flight travels faster than the airflow underneath the wing due to the principles of aerodynamics, specifically Bernoulli's principle. As air moves over the curved surface of the upper wing, it has to travel a longer distance in the same amount of time compared to the air flowing beneath the wing, which generally has a flatter path. This difference in speed leads to a reduction in pressure on the upper surface of the wing as opposed to the lower surface. Consequently, this pressure difference generates lift, which is essential for the wing to function effectively during flight. Thus, recognizing that the airflow over the top of the wing moves faster helps clarify how lift is generated and is a fundamental concept in understanding flight dynamics. The inaccurate choices might lead to confusion about the behavior of airflow and the principles of lift. For example, suggesting that the airflow is slower or equal underestimates the fundamental aerodynamic processes at play.