Lift is the upward force that allows an aircraft to overcome gravity and stay in the air. It is generated by pressure differences between the upper and lower surfaces of a wing as air flows around it.
How it works:
- Wings are shaped (airfoil design) so that air travels faster over the top than underneath.
- Faster airflow above creates lower pressure, while slower airflow below maintains higher pressure.
- This pressure difference creates lift, pushing the wing—and the aircraft—upward.
Key factors influencing lift:
- Wing shape and angle (angle of attack)
- Airspeed and air density
- Surface area of the wing
Lift is a fundamental principle in aerodynamics, enabling everything from birds to airplanes to achieve flight.