Mon Prof Augmenté
How a wing lifts a plane
Age 12 · Physics
A wing has a curved top and a flatter bottom, so air moves faster over the top. Faster air presses less on the wing, so the higher pressure below pushes the wing upward.
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In the picture
- Front edge of the wing: where the air splits into two paths
- Upper streamlines: longer, closer together, air moving faster with lower pressure
- Lower streamlines: shorter and wider apart, air moving slower with higher pressure
- Lift arrow: the net push upward on the wing
Examples
- A plane taking off as air rushes over its wings
- A bird gliding with its wings spread without flapping
Key takeaways
- Faster-moving air exerts less pressure.
- Higher pressure under the wing than above it pushes the wing up.
Quiz: How a wing lifts a plane (Age 12)
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What happens to the pressure of air that moves faster?
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What actually pushes a wing upward?
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Why does air move faster over the top of a wing than under it?
The answers, each with its explanation, are in the app. This lesson has left the free week, so its quiz is part of the subscription.
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