Which force acts perpendicular to the relative wind?

Which force acts perpendicular to the relative wind?

• A. Lift
• B. Weight
• C. Drag
• D. Thrust

Answer: (A)

Lift is the force that acts perpendicular to the relative wind. The relative wind is the direction the air is moving as the aircraft flies past it; lift arises from the wing’s airfoil shape and angle of attack, producing a force normal to that flow to support the aircraft’s weight. Weight pulls straight downward due to gravity, not tied to the wind direction. Drag is the resistance that acts parallel and opposite to the relative wind, slowing the forward motion. Thrust pushes forward along the aircraft’s path. So, among these forces, lift is the one oriented at right angles to the relative wind.

Lift is the force that acts perpendicular to the relative wind. The relative wind is the direction the air is moving as the aircraft flies past it; lift arises from the wing’s airfoil shape and angle of attack, producing a force normal to that flow to support the aircraft’s weight. Weight pulls straight downward due to gravity, not tied to the wind direction. Drag is the resistance that acts parallel and opposite to the relative wind, slowing the forward motion. Thrust pushes forward along the aircraft’s path. So, among these forces, lift is the one oriented at right angles to the relative wind.