Which of the following correctly describes induced drag?

Which of the following correctly describes induced drag?

• A. Increases with weight and decreases with airspeed
• B. Decreases with weight and increases with surface area
• C. Remains constant regardless of conditions
• D. Is influenced primarily by parasite drag

Answer: (A)

Induced drag is a byproduct of lift generation, occurring as a result of the angle of attack and the characteristics of the aircraft's wings. It increases with an increase in weight due to the fact that a heavier aircraft requires a higher angle of attack to maintain level flight at a given airspeed. This higher angle of attack leads to increased lift, which also contributes to more induced drag. Conversely, as airspeed increases, the angle of attack required to maintain lift decreases, subsequently reducing induced drag. This relationship illustrates why the correct answer highlights the behavior of induced drag in response to variations in weight and airspeed. The other options do not accurately describe the nature of induced drag. For instance, option referring to a decrease in drag with weight would contradict the fundamental principles of aerodynamics, particularly in level flight scenarios. Additionally, the notion of induced drag being constant fails to account for its variability with changing flight conditions. Lastly, saying induced drag is influenced primarily by parasite drag overlooks the distinct characteristics that separate induced drag from parasite drag, which is primarily a function of an aircraft's size, shape, and speed rather than lift. This understanding of induced drag's connection to weight and speed is crucial for pilots when managing their aircraft's performance.

Induced drag is a byproduct of lift generation, occurring as a result of the angle of attack and the characteristics of the aircraft's wings. It increases with an increase in weight due to the fact that a heavier aircraft requires a higher angle of attack to maintain level flight at a given airspeed. This higher angle of attack leads to increased lift, which also contributes to more induced drag. Conversely, as airspeed increases, the angle of attack required to maintain lift decreases, subsequently reducing induced drag. This relationship illustrates why the correct answer highlights the behavior of induced drag in response to variations in weight and airspeed.

The other options do not accurately describe the nature of induced drag. For instance, option referring to a decrease in drag with weight would contradict the fundamental principles of aerodynamics, particularly in level flight scenarios. Additionally, the notion of induced drag being constant fails to account for its variability with changing flight conditions. Lastly, saying induced drag is influenced primarily by parasite drag overlooks the distinct characteristics that separate induced drag from parasite drag, which is primarily a function of an aircraft's size, shape, and speed rather than lift. This understanding of induced drag's connection to weight and speed is crucial for pilots when managing their aircraft's performance.