How is lift generated on an aircraft wing?

Lift is generated on an aircraft wing primarily through the difference in air pressure created above and below the wing. As the aircraft moves through the air, the design of the wing, often referred to as an airfoil, allows air to flow faster over the top surface than the bottom surface. According to Bernoulli's principle, when the velocity of a fluid increases, its pressure decreases. Thus, the faster-moving air over the upper surface of the wing results in lower pressure compared to the higher pressure beneath the wing. This pressure difference creates an upward force known as lift, allowing the aircraft to rise into the air.

The other options, while related to flight, do not directly explain how lift is generated. The creation of a vacuum above the wing is a simplification and not wholly accurate, as lift relies on pressure differences rather than vacuum. The rotation of the aircraft does not contribute to lift; rather, it is associated with maneuvering. The shape of the tail affects stability and control but does not play a primary role in generating lift on the wing itself. Thus, understanding the pressure difference created by the wing's shape is crucial for comprehending how lift functions.