When angle of attack increases, what happens to drag?

When angle of attack increases, what happens to drag?

• A. Drag remains unchanged.
• B. Drag increases with higher angle of attack.
• C. Drag decreases with higher angle of attack.
• D. Drag is independent of angle of attack.

Answer: (B)

As angle of attack increases, the wing must generate more lift, which means it deflects more air downward. That stronger downwash creates a larger induced drag component, and since induced drag grows roughly with the square of lift, it climbs as AoA rises. In addition, the flow around the wing becomes less streamlined at higher angles, increasing form/pressure drag a bit, especially as you approach stall. Net effect: drag increases with higher angle of attack.

As angle of attack increases, the wing must generate more lift, which means it deflects more air downward. That stronger downwash creates a larger induced drag component, and since induced drag grows roughly with the square of lift, it climbs as AoA rises. In addition, the flow around the wing becomes less streamlined at higher angles, increasing form/pressure drag a bit, especially as you approach stall. Net effect: drag increases with higher angle of attack.