Forces of Flight

Front

What is the force that pushes a plane forward?

Back

Thrust is the force that propels an aircraft in the direction of motion.

Front

What is the force that pushes a plane upward?

Back

Lift is the force that acts perpendicular to the direction of motion and allows an aircraft to rise.

Front

What part of the plane generates lift?

Back

The wings of the plane are designed to create lift by altering airflow.

Front

What is the force that acts opposite of lift?

Back

Weight is the force that pulls the aircraft down towards the Earth due to gravity.

Front

What is the force that acts opposite of thrust?

Back

Drag is the resistance force that opposes the forward motion of the aircraft.

Front

Define thrust in the context of flight.

Back

Thrust is the force produced by the engines that moves the aircraft forward.

Front

Define lift in the context of flight.

Back

Lift is the upward force that counteracts weight and allows the aircraft to ascend.

Front

What role do wings play in flight?

Back

Wings generate lift by creating a difference in air pressure above and below them.

Front

What is drag and how does it affect flight?

Back

Drag is the aerodynamic resistance that slows down the aircraft and must be overcome by thrust.

Front

Explain the relationship between thrust and drag.

Back

Thrust must be greater than drag for an aircraft to accelerate forward.