Aerodynamics Practice Test

Describe the scientific concept of aerodynamics.

• The study of how gases interact with moving bodies

• The study of how liquids interact with stationary bodies

• The study of how solids interact with gases

• The study of how gases interact with stationary bodies

Answer explanation

Aerodynamics is primarily concerned with how gases, like air, interact with moving objects, such as aircraft. This interaction affects lift, drag, and overall performance, making the first choice the correct definition.

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DOK Level 1: Recall

Which of the following is NOT one of the forces of flight?

• Lift

• Thrust

• Gravity

• Friction

Answer explanation

Friction is not one of the primary forces of flight. The main forces are lift, thrust, and gravity. Lift opposes gravity, while thrust propels the aircraft forward. Friction, while present, does not contribute to flight forces.

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DOK Level 1: Recall

Identify the three axes of motion in flight.

• Pitch, Yaw, Roll

• Lift, Drag, Thrust

• Speed, Altitude, Direction

• Weight, Balance, Stability

Answer explanation

The three axes of motion in flight are Pitch, Yaw, and Roll. These terms describe the aircraft's orientation and movement: Pitch refers to the up and down movement, Yaw to left and right, and Roll to the rotation around the front-to-back axis.

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DOK Level 1: Recall

Define Newton’s First Law of Motion.

• An object in motion stays in motion unless acted upon by an external force

• Force equals mass times acceleration

• For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction

• Energy cannot be created or destroyed

Answer explanation

Newton's First Law states that an object will remain at rest or in uniform motion unless acted upon by an external force. This means that an object in motion stays in motion, making the first answer choice correct.

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DOK Level 1: Recall

Explain Bernoulli’s Principle in the context of flight.

• Faster moving air creates lower pressure

• Slower moving air creates higher pressure

• Air pressure is constant regardless of speed

• Air pressure increases with altitude

Answer explanation

Bernoulli’s Principle states that as the speed of a fluid (air) increases, its pressure decreases. This means that faster moving air over the wings of an aircraft creates lower pressure, contributing to lift.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Identify the parts of an airfoil.

• Leading edge, trailing edge, camber

• Nose, tail, fuselage

• Wingtip, aileron, rudder

• Cockpit, engine, landing gear

Answer explanation

The correct choice, 'Leading edge, trailing edge, camber', identifies key parts of an airfoil. The leading edge is the front, the trailing edge is the back, and camber refers to the curvature of the airfoil, crucial for lift.

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DOK Level 1: Recall

How does an airfoil generate lift?

• By creating a pressure difference between the upper and lower surfaces

• By increasing the weight of the aircraft

• By reducing the speed of the aircraft

• By increasing the drag on the aircraft

Answer explanation

An airfoil generates lift by creating a pressure difference between its upper and lower surfaces. The shape of the airfoil causes air to move faster over the top, reducing pressure, while higher pressure below pushes the airfoil upward.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Which wing design is known for providing high lift at low speeds?

• Delta wing

• Swept wing

• Straight wing

• Elliptical wing

Answer explanation

The straight wing design is known for its ability to generate high lift at low speeds, making it ideal for aircraft that require good performance during takeoff and landing. Other designs, like delta and swept wings, are optimized for higher speeds.

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DOK Level 1: Recall

Discuss the role of thrust in flight.

• Thrust is the force that moves the aircraft forward

• Thrust is the force that pulls the aircraft downward

• Thrust is the force that stabilizes the aircraft

• Thrust is the force that increases the aircraft's weight

Answer explanation

Thrust is the force generated by the aircraft's engines that propels it forward, overcoming drag. It is essential for flight, as it allows the aircraft to gain speed and altitude, making it the correct choice.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

What is the relationship between lift and drag?

• Lift opposes drag

• Lift and drag are unrelated

• Lift increases drag

• Lift reduces drag

Answer explanation

Lift increases drag because as an object generates lift, it also creates a disturbance in the airflow, leading to increased resistance or drag. This relationship is crucial in aerodynamics.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept