Explaining how airplanes fly to a high schooler can be done by breaking down the concept into four key principles: lift, thrust, drag, and weight. Here's a simplified explanation:
Lift: Lift is the force that allows an airplane to rise and stay in the air. It is generated by the shape of the wings and is created due to the difference in air pressure between the top and bottom surfaces of the wings. The curved shape of the wings, called an airfoil, helps to generate lift. As the airplane moves through the air, the air flowing over the curved upper surface of the wings moves faster than the air flowing underneath. This creates lower pressure on the top and higher pressure on the bottom, resulting in an upward force called lift.
Thrust: Thrust is the forward force that propels the airplane through the air. It is typically generated by engines, such as jet engines or propellers. The engines produce a powerful stream of air or exhaust gases, which pushes the airplane forward. The forward movement creates airflow over the wings, allowing lift to be generated.
Drag: Drag is the resistance encountered by the airplane as it moves through the air. It is caused by the friction between the airplane's surfaces (such as the fuselage and wings) and the surrounding air. Drag opposes the forward motion of the airplane and can be reduced by streamlining the shape of the aircraft and minimizing exposed surfaces.
Weight: Weight is the force exerted by gravity on the airplane. It is the total mass of the aircraft and everything it carries, including passengers, cargo, and fuel. To maintain steady flight, the lift generated by the wings must be equal to or greater than the weight of the airplane. This balance is crucial for the aircraft to stay airborne.
In summary, airplanes fly by generating lift through the shape of their wings, propelled by thrust from engines, while overcoming the resistance of drag. As long as the lift exceeds or balances the weight, the airplane can remain in the air and fly.