How does angle of attack affect lift?

The correct answer highlights a fundamental principle of aerodynamics related to lift generation. As the angle of attack increases, airflow over the wings is altered, leading to changes in pressure distribution around the wing. Specifically, an increase in angle of attack generally increases lift because it enhances the differential pressure between the upper and lower surfaces of the wing.

As the angle of attack rises, more air is deflected downwards, which, according to Newton's third law of motion, results in an upward lift force. This lift continues to increase until it reaches a critical angle of attack—often referred to as the stall angle—beyond which further increases will cause lift to decrease due to flow separation over the wing. This phenomenon is essential for pilots to understand, as operating near or beyond this critical angle can lead to a stall, where lift dramatically decreases.

This relationship between angle of attack and lift is pivotal in both the design of aircraft and in safe operational procedures. Thus, the correct choice effectively summarizes this behavior in lift generation with respect to changes in angle of attack.