During flight with zero angle of attack, the pressure along the upper surface of a wing would be?

Study for the Sheppard Air Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Exam. Use flashcards, multiple-choice questions, and explanations to prepare. Get ready to ace your exam!

When an aircraft is in a state of zero angle of attack, the airflow over the wing remains largely undisturbed. In this scenario, Bernoulli's principle applies, which states that as the velocity of airflow increases, the pressure decreases. Since the airflow over the upper surface of the wing flows faster compared to that of the lower surface, the pressure on the upper surface will be less than the atmospheric pressure.

This reduction in pressure creates a condition where aerodynamic lift is not generated because lift occurs primarily when there is a pressure difference between the upper and lower surfaces of the wing. In the case of a zero angle of attack, the airflow is not inclined enough to create this pressure difference effectively, resulting in less static pressure compared to ambient conditions. This understanding is crucial, especially when considering lift generation and wing performance under various flight conditions, emphasizing the importance of angle of attack in aerodynamics.

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