What does the Bernoulli principle explain in relation to flight?

The Bernoulli principle is fundamental to understanding how lift is generated during flight. This principle states that an increase in the speed of a fluid occurs simultaneously with a decrease in pressure. In the context of an aircraft wing, when air flows over the curved upper surface of the wing, it travels faster than the air moving beneath the wing, which has a flatter surface.

As the air moves more rapidly over the top of the wing, the pressure above the wing decreases. Meanwhile, the air under the wing is at a higher pressure due to its slower speed. This difference in pressure creates an upward force known as lift, enabling the aircraft to ascend and remain airborne. Thus, the relationship between the speed of air over the wing and pressure is crucial for flight, making this answer the most accurate representation of the Bernoulli principle in relation to aerodynamics.

In contrast, the other options either misinterpret the principles of flight or do not accurately reflect the Bernoulli principle's implications:

• Changes in air pressure do not directly impact an aircraft's weight, as weight is a function of mass and gravity.

• While higher altitudes can improve fuel efficiency for various reasons, this effect is not explained by the Bernoulli principle.

• The shape of