Science Common Sense

436 - How does an airfoil generate lift in aircraft?

Imagine you're holding a piece of paper, and you throw it gently. What happens? It glides through the air and floats down. Now, imagine the paper is shaped like a curved wing (called an airfoil).

When air moves over and under the airfoil, it creates lift. This happens because:

1. The air moving over the top of the curve has to travel faster to keep up with the air moving along the flat bottom.
2. Faster air equals lower air pressure above the airfoil.
3. The air pressure below the airfoil is higher.
4. The difference in air pressure creates an upward force (lift) that makes the airfoil rise.

So, when an airplane moves forward, its airfoil-shaped wings create lift that helps it fly.