There are four main forces that influence the airplane:
- Thrust: Thrust is the force that moves the airplane forward. Airplanes have engines, like jet engines or propellers, that create thrust by pushing air backward. This thrust moves the airplane forward through the air.
- Lift: Lift is the force that pulls the airplane upward. Airplanes have wings that are specially shaped to create lift when air flows over them. The shape of the wing causes the air pressure above the wing to be lower than the pressure below it, creating an upward force called lift. This lift counteracts the force of gravity pulling the airplane downward.
- Gravity: Gravity is the force that pulls objects toward the Earth’s surface. It affects everything on Earth, including airplanes. However, because the airplane’s lift is greater than the force of gravity, the airplane is able to stay airborne.
- Drag: Drag is the force that opposes the airplane’s motion through the air. It’s caused by air resistance pushing against the airplane as it moves forward. Airplanes are designed to minimize drag by having streamlined shapes and smooth surfaces.
