How does the design of a wing affect its lift?

The design of a wing plays a crucial role in how it generates lift, primarily through the concepts of wing shape and angle of attack, which create differences in air pressure above and below the wing. When a wing is designed with a specific shape—often referred to as an airfoil—it affects how airflows over and under it. As the wing moves through the air, the airfoil shape causes the air to travel faster over the top of the wing than underneath it. According to Bernoulli's principle, faster airflow results in lower pressure. This pressure difference between the upper and lower surfaces of the wing creates lift, allowing the aircraft to rise.

Additionally, the angle of attack, which is the angle between the wing’s chord line and the oncoming airflow, further influences lift. Increasing the angle of attack can increase lift up to a certain point, after which it may lead to a stall. Thus, both the geometry of the wing (its shape) and the way it is oriented (angle of attack) are critical factors in the generation of lift in aviation.