AFOQT Practice Test

What is induced drag a result of?

1. Shape of the wings

2. Airflow meeting at the back of the wing

3. Resistance from rough surfaces on the fuselage

4. Speed fluctuations in flight

The correct answer is: Airflow meeting at the back of the wing

Induced drag is a type of aerodynamic drag that arises from the generation of lift. When air flows over the wings of an aircraft, it creates a difference in pressure above and below the wing, which generates lift. However, as the air moves over the wing and meets at the trailing edge, some of it spills over, creating vortices. Those vortices are a byproduct of the lift generation and contribute to induced drag. The mechanisms behind the airflow at the back of the wing, specifically how the air interacts and the resulting vortices, directly tie to the concept of induced drag. It illustrates how aerodynamic efficiency is affected by the design and angle of attack of the wing, emphasizing the importance of airflow characteristics in the generation of induced drag. While the shape of the wings, surface resistance, and speed fluctuations can affect other types of drag or performance characteristics, they are not the fundamental cause of induced drag. The specific focus on airflow meeting at the wing's trailing edge encapsulates the essence of how induced drag occurs as a consequence of lift generation.