What curve is formed when plotting induced drag and parasite drag?

When plotting induced drag and parasite drag, the result is a drag curve. This curve illustrates how total drag varies with changes in airspeed. Induced drag primarily depends on the angle of attack and the amount of lift generated, while parasite drag is related to the aircraft's speed and its profile.

At lower speeds, induced drag is more significant due to the higher angles of attack required to maintain lift. As airspeed increases, parasite drag becomes more dominant due to factors like friction and form drag. The intersection point of the induced drag and parasite drag portions on the graph provides insight into the optimal speed for efficient flight, where total drag is at its lowest. This understanding is crucial for pilots when determining the most efficient operating speeds.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately describe the relationship illustrated by the plotted data. The lift curve depicts how lift varies with angle of attack, while the thrust line connects thrust with airspeed or power settings, and a performance graph typically encompasses a broader range of performance factors rather than focusing purely on drag components.