Why does a swept wing design reduce the effective airspeed of the wingtip?

A swept wing design reduces the effective airspeed of the wingtip primarily due to the angle of the wing sweep. When a wing is swept back, it effectively aligns the leading edge with the relative wind at an angle, altering the airflow over the wing's surface. This change causes the distance the airflow travels over the wingtip to be different compared to a straight wing.

The angle of the wing sweep modifies the perceived velocity experienced by the wingtip, creating a reduction in the effective airspeed. This is particularly important in high-speed flight, as a swept wing can delay the onset of shock waves and improve aerodynamic efficiency. By reducing effective airspeed, the swept wing design enhances performance and stability at high speeds, making it suitable for various aircraft, especially those designed for supersonic flight.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately describe how the wing's design impacts airspeed at the wingtip. Increased lift generation does not directly relate to the effective airspeed reduction; boundary layer separation is a phenomenon that can occur on any wing design and is not specifically responsible for changes in effective airspeed due to the wing's sweep. The decrease in thrust production is also unrelated; thrust is more influenced by engine performance and doesn't directly determine the effective airspeed