Bernoulli's Principle and Flight
Learning Objective
I can describe how Bernoulli's Principle impacts the flight of objects
Key Concepts
An airplane wing generates lift because the air traveling above the wing moves faster than the air traveling below, creating an area of lower pressure.
A common, but incorrect, explanation of lift says that air molecules above and below the wing must meet at the same time, but in reality, the air above reaches the wing's trailing edge much faster.
If a wing is too curved or steeply angled, the airflow above may detach and become turbulent, which can reduce lift.
Practice Questions
This lesson includes 12 practice questions to reinforce learning.
View questions preview
1. According to the video, what is the main force that allows airplanes to stay in the air?
2. What is the incorrect explanation of lift discussed in the video, and why is it wrong?
3. Describe how the movement of air around an airplane wing creates lift.
...and 9 more questions
Educational Video
How do airplanes actually fly? - Raymond Adkins
TED-Ed