Ask an Explainer

Q:

How much faster do molecules move on the top of an airfoil then on the bottom?

A:

To create lift, the air above just has to be moving faster than the air below, which creates enough change in air pressure to lift the plane into the air. However, the difference in speed (and therefore, pressure) that is required to do this depends on the size and mass weight of the plane that needs to be lifted, because it is this force that need to be overcome so that the plane can take off.

Ask an Explainer
Categories: