How does increasing the angle of attack affect lift?

Increasing the angle of attack positively influences lift up to a certain point known as the critical angle of attack. As the angle of attack increases, the airflow over the wing changes, resulting in a higher lift coefficient, which means that the wings generate more lift. This is because the wing's design allows it to better direct air downwards, thus creating an opposing upward force on the wing according to Bernoulli's principle and Newton's third law of motion.

However, this increased lift does not continue indefinitely. Once the angle of attack reaches the critical point, airflow begins to separate from the wing, causing a stall, which dramatically reduces lift. Therefore, the nature of the relationship between angle of attack and lift is such that lift increases with a rising angle, up until it reaches that critical threshold. This understanding is crucial for pilots and maintenance personnel in aviation, emphasizing the balance that must be maintained for safe and efficient flight operations.