How does an airfoil generate lift?

An airfoil generates lift through a combination of the principles of Bernoulli's equation and Newton's laws of motion.

When air flows over and under the wing of the airfoil, the shape and angle of the wing cause the airflow to differ in speed above and below the wing. According to Bernoulli's principle, faster-moving air has lower pressure. As the air moves more quickly over the curved upper surface of the wing, it creates a region of lower pressure compared to the higher pressure beneath the wing. This pressure difference creates an upward force on the wing, resulting in lift.

Additionally, Newton's laws of motion support the concept of lift through action and reaction. When the airfoil directs air downwards as it moves through the air, an equal and opposite reaction occurs, pushing the airfoil upward.

This combination of aerodynamic effects illustrates how both Bernoulli's principle and Newtonian physics contribute significantly to the generation of lift, making the chosen answer accurate and comprehensive. Other options, while they touch on aspects of lift generation, do not capture the complete mechanism effectively. For example, invoking only vacuum creation, high speeds, or manipulation of air pressure alone does not encompass the principles that work in tandem to create lift in an air