answersLogoWhite

0

There are many theories currently out there that explain lift. The two more common theories of lift involve Bernoulli's theorem and Newtons Third law of motion.

Bernoulli's theorem states that if the velocity of a fluid increases the pressure decreases (note: air is classed and looked at as a liquid in fluid mechanics which is used to explains Bernoulli's theorem's streamlines of airflow running over the wing are forced upwards and closer together causing an increase of airspeed over the wing. This results in a decrease in pressure above the wing in relation to the air under the wing. The second law of Thermodynamics states in simple terms that areas of high pressure will go to areas of low pressure to equal out the imbalance. This results in an upwards push of air lifting the wing with it. This is the cause of more than 95% of lift on an aircraft.

The second way lift is produced by the wings has got to do with Newtons third law of Motion. The air that flows over the wing is eventually angled downwards slightly as it leaves the wing surface. This downwards force of air pushes back in the opposite direction (upwards) on the aircraft also helping with the production of lift. Additional to this (if you look closely) you will see that the wing is attached to the body of the aircraft on a slight angle. As the airflow hits the wing some of this is angled straight down and once again the force of the downwards air pushes back on the wing in an upwards direction with equal and opposite force. This final method is additionally seen when an aircraft tilts back to climb. More surface of the wing is exposed directly to the airflow causing more air to be pushed downwards increasing the overall force created by this method.

Hopefully this isn't too complicated and if you want a better explanation or links to useful resources feel free to send me a message.

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago

What else can I help you with?

Continue Learning about Physics

Why do paper airplanes fly?

Paper airplanes fly due to the principles of aerodynamics. When a paper airplane is thrown, the shape of its wings and the angle at which it is thrown create lift, which allows the airplane to stay in the air and glide. The force of gravity pulling the airplane down is counteracted by the lift generated by the wings, allowing the airplane to fly.


How much lift does an airplane need to fly?

An airplane needs enough lift to overcome its weight in order to fly. The amount of lift required depends on factors such as the aircraft's weight, velocity, wing design, and air density. Pilots can adjust the airplane's angle of attack and airspeed to generate the necessary lift for flight.


How do paper airplanes fly?

Paper airplanes fly due to the principles of aerodynamics. When thrown, the shape and design of the paper airplane create lift, which is the force that allows it to stay in the air. The wings of the paper airplane are designed to generate lift by creating a pressure difference between the top and bottom surfaces of the wings. This lift, along with the thrust generated by the initial throw, allows the paper airplane to fly through the air.


What makes something fly?

An object can fly when the forces of lift and thrust are greater than the forces of weight and drag. Lift is generated by the shape of the object (such as wings on an airplane) and thrust is the force that propels the object forward.


What are the four forces that affect an airplane's ability to fly?

It is thrust, lift, drag and weightthat affect an aircraft's ability to fly. It is thrust that moves the aircraft forward through the air. The thrust overcomes drag and provides (with the wings) lift to overcome weight.

Related Questions

How does an airplane fly with weight?

An airplane produces enogh lift to fly with weight. Cargo planes are designed to do that.


What are the 4 forces that let an airplane fly?

The 4 forces that let a airplane fly are Lift, Gravity, Thrust, and Drag.


What makes airplane fly?

Lift! The wings on a plane create an upward lift.


What makes an airplane fly in the air one word?

Lift


Why do paper airplanes fly?

Paper airplanes fly due to the principles of aerodynamics. When a paper airplane is thrown, the shape of its wings and the angle at which it is thrown create lift, which allows the airplane to stay in the air and glide. The force of gravity pulling the airplane down is counteracted by the lift generated by the wings, allowing the airplane to fly.


How does lift effect on a F-15 eagle jet?

Lift enables the aircraft to fly with heavy loads.


What helps an airplane fly?

Lift created from wind under the wings


How does thrust and lift help an airplane fly?

Lift keeps an aircraft up, thrust pushes it forward.


How are lifts and thrusts used on an airplane?

Lift and thrust is what enables an airplane to maintain flight. Lift is generated by the wings, and thrust is generated by the engine or propeller. Combined they enable the aircraft to fly. Air currents and up-drafts, on an aircraft that does not have an engine (like a glider), also help generate lift and thrust to keep such an aircraft in the air. However, gliders get into the air by being towed by an airplane, or by a sort of sling-shot.


What is the difference between a helicopter creating lift and anairplane creating lift?

the difference between an helicopter creating lift and an airplane creating lift is simple. an airplane creates lift by moving forward and its wing that has an aerofoil shaped will create lift. this gives the lift for the airplane and to fly. for helicopters, instead of the aerofoil is fix like an airplane, the aerofoil wing is rotating and create lift. that is why the helicopter does not need to move forward to gain momentum to create lift. by rotating the aerofoil (the blade) the helicopter can creates enough lift to lift up the helicopter.and that's how it fly..


How much lift does an airplane need to fly?

An airplane needs enough lift to overcome its weight in order to fly. The amount of lift required depends on factors such as the aircraft's weight, velocity, wing design, and air density. Pilots can adjust the airplane's angle of attack and airspeed to generate the necessary lift for flight.


What four things make an airplane fly?

Thrust, lift, gravity, and drag