Flight Forces

Front

What is Lift?

Back

Lift is the force that directly opposes the weight of an object and holds the object in the air. It is generated by the wings of an aircraft.

Front

What is Thrust?

Back

Thrust is the force that propels an aircraft forward. It is produced by the engines of the aircraft.

Front

What is Drag?

Back

Drag is the resistance force that acts opposite to the direction of motion of an object. It slows down the aircraft.

Front

What is Gravity?

Back

Gravity is the force that pulls objects toward the center of the Earth. It acts downward on an aircraft.

Front

What part of the plane generates lift?

Back

The wings of the plane generate lift.

Front

How does Thrust affect flight?

Back

Thrust propels the aircraft forward, allowing it to gain speed and altitude.

Front

What role does Drag play in flight?

Back

Drag opposes thrust and can slow down the aircraft, affecting its speed and maneuverability.

Front

What is the relationship between Lift and Gravity?

Back

Lift must be greater than or equal to gravity for an aircraft to ascend; if lift is less than gravity, the aircraft will descend.

Front

What happens when Thrust is greater than Drag?

Back

When thrust is greater than drag, the aircraft accelerates forward.

Front

What happens when Drag is greater than Thrust?

Back

When drag is greater than thrust, the aircraft slows down and may eventually stall.