Which statement is true relative to changing angle of attack?

Which statement is true relative to changing angle of attack?

• A. An increase in angle of attack will decrease drag.
• B. An increase in angle of attack will increase drag.
• C. Angle of attack changes do not affect drag.
• D. Drag is only affected by airspeed, not angle of attack.

Answer: (D)

Angle of attack directly influences both lift and drag. As you increase the angle, the wing generates more lift, but the flow also becomes more disturbed and downwash increases. This raises induced drag, and the wing and body experience more form drag from the steeper flow path. Near the stall, drag climbs even more as the flow begins to separate. Because of these effects, drag changes with angle of attack and generally increases as you raise AoA beyond the optimal cruise point. So drag is not determined by airspeed alone; changing angle of attack alters drag too.

Angle of attack directly influences both lift and drag. As you increase the angle, the wing generates more lift, but the flow also becomes more disturbed and downwash increases. This raises induced drag, and the wing and body experience more form drag from the steeper flow path. Near the stall, drag climbs even more as the flow begins to separate. Because of these effects, drag changes with angle of attack and generally increases as you raise AoA beyond the optimal cruise point. So drag is not determined by airspeed alone; changing angle of attack alters drag too.