Bernoulli's Principle

What is lift force?

A force generated perpendicular to the direction of air flow.

What happens to air pressure when air moves faster?

Faster moving air has a lower pressure than slower moving air.

How does faster air movement create lift?

When air moves faster over one surface of an object, there is a lower pressure there, causing the object to move towards the lower-pressure side.

What is the purpose of an aerofoil shape?

It is designed to make air go faster over the top and slower underneath.

What is the result of the pressure difference created by an aerofoil?

It causes lift.

Can you name three examples of objects that utilize lift?

Frisbee, javelin, cyclist's helmet.

How does air behave when split by an aerofoil?

Air that is split travels over and under the shape.

What happens to air travelling over the aerofoil?

Accelerates due to the surface being curved.

What happens to air pressure as it accelerates over an aerofoil?

Air pressure drops in an attempt to fill the larger space created by the acceleration

What effect does the shape of the aerofoil have on air traveling over and under it?

Air traveling over the aerofoil accelerates due to the surface being curved and has a greater distance to cover than the flatter surface underneath.

How does the air behave when it goes underneath the rear spoiler?

As the air accelerates into the space beneath the rear spoiler, an area of low pressure is created.

What happens to the air above the wing of an aerofoil?

Air that is bunching up on top of the wing increases in pressure and begins to apply downward force.