AFOQT Practice Test

What occurs when air flows rapidly over the top of the wing, according to Bernoulli's Principle?

1. Pressure increases

2. Pressure remains the same

3. Pressure decreases

4. Airflow stops

The correct answer is: Pressure decreases

When air flows rapidly over the top of the wing, it leads to a decrease in pressure, which is consistent with Bernoulli's Principle. This principle states that as the speed of a fluid increases, its pressure decreases. In the context of a wing, the shape and angle of attack alter how air flows over and under the wing. The airflow over the top of the wing is faster than the airflow below, resulting in lower pressure above the wing compared to the higher pressure below the wing. This difference in pressure creates lift, allowing the aircraft to ascend. The other responses fail to capture this relationship described by Bernoulli's Principle. Pressure cannot simultaneously increase or remain the same when airflow speeds up, and airflow cannot simply stop; such conditions would not sustain flight.