Airplanes stay in the air due to the lift force created by their wings. As the airplane moves forward, air flows over and under the wings. The shape of the wings is designed so that air moves faster over the top of the wing and slower underneath. This difference in air pressure creates an upward force, known as lift, which counteracts the force of gravity and keeps the airplane in the air.
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MCQs
1. What part of the airplane helps to control its direction?
A. Engine
B. Tail
C. Cockpit
D. Wheels
Answer: B. Tail
Explanation: The tail of an airplane includes parts like the rudder and elevators, which help in controlling the airplane’s direction and altitude.
2. Which of the following is NOT a force acting on an airplane?
A. Lift
B. Speed
C. Thrust
D. Drag
Answer: B. Speed
Explanation: Speed is not a force; it is a measure of how fast the airplane is moving. The four main forces acting on an airplane are lift, weight (gravity), thrust, and drag.
3. What does the engine of an airplane do?
A. Slows the airplane down
B. Creates lift
C. Provides thrust
D. Increases weight
Answer: C. Provides thrust
Explanation: The engine provides thrust, which is the force that moves the airplane forward through the air. Thrust counteracts drag and allows the airplane to gain speed and altitude.
4. How do wings help an airplane stay in the air?
A. By making the airplane heavier
B. By pushing air down
C. By pulling the airplane up
D. By keeping the airplane warm
Answer: B. By pushing air down
Explanation: The shape of the wings is designed to push air down, which in turn, according to Newton’s third law of motion, pushes the wing (and the airplane it’s attached to) upwards. This is a key component of how lift is generated.
5. What happens if an airplane goes too slow?
A. It can’t generate enough lift
B. It will go into space
C. It will become too heavy
D. It will turn invisible
Answer: A. It can’t generate enough lift
Explanation: If an airplane goes too slow, it can’t generate enough lift to counteract its weight. This can lead to a loss of altitude and, if not corrected, a stall.
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