Which of the following is NOT a primary factor affecting lift?

Which of the following is NOT a primary factor affecting lift?

• A. Airspeed
• B. Wing area
• C. Aerodynamic shape
• D. Angle of attack

Answer: (C)

The correct answer indicates that aerodynamic shape, while certainly relevant to how a wing generates lift, is not listed as a primary factor in this context. Lift primarily depends on airspeed, wing area, and angle of attack, which are directly linked to the forces exerted on the wing. Airspeed is crucial because lift increases with the square of the velocity of air over the wings; as a plane moves faster, it displaces more air, enhancing lift. Wing area is also fundamental; larger wings can capture more air, generating greater lift. The angle of attack, which is the angle between the wing’s chord line and the oncoming airflow, is critical as it changes the pressure distribution around the wing, significantly altering the lift produced until reaching the stall angle. While aerodynamic shape contributes to how effectively a wing can interact with airflow—dictating factors like drag and the efficiency of lift generation—it is not labeled a primary factor in this scenario. Instead, the question emphasizes the more direct, measurable relationships embodied by airspeed, wing area, and angle of attack when discussing lift production.

The correct answer indicates that aerodynamic shape, while certainly relevant to how a wing generates lift, is not listed as a primary factor in this context. Lift primarily depends on airspeed, wing area, and angle of attack, which are directly linked to the forces exerted on the wing.

Airspeed is crucial because lift increases with the square of the velocity of air over the wings; as a plane moves faster, it displaces more air, enhancing lift. Wing area is also fundamental; larger wings can capture more air, generating greater lift. The angle of attack, which is the angle between the wing’s chord line and the oncoming airflow, is critical as it changes the pressure distribution around the wing, significantly altering the lift produced until reaching the stall angle.

While aerodynamic shape contributes to how effectively a wing can interact with airflow—dictating factors like drag and the efficiency of lift generation—it is not labeled a primary factor in this scenario. Instead, the question emphasizes the more direct, measurable relationships embodied by airspeed, wing area, and angle of attack when discussing lift production.