What principle did the Wright Brothers apply in their flight experiments?

The principle that the Wright Brothers applied in their flight experiments was lift and drag. In the early 20th century, the understanding of aerodynamics was still developing, and the Wright Brothers conducted extensive research to understand how these forces interact with an aircraft in flight.

Lift is the force that acts perpendicular to the motion of the aircraft and is crucial for getting the plane off the ground. The Wright Brothers designed their wings to have a specific shape, known as an airfoil, which allowed them to generate sufficient lift when air flowed over and under the wings. They conducted numerous wind tunnel tests to refine this aspect of their design.

Drag, on the other hand, is the resistance that opposes the aircraft's forward motion. The Wright Brothers had to understand and manage drag to ensure their aircraft could achieve and maintain flight effectively. By experimenting with different wing shapes and configurations, they were able to minimize drag while maximizing lift.

The combination of these two forces was central to their successful design and ultimately to their first powered flights, marking a significant breakthrough in aviation. Understanding lift and drag has remained a fundamental principle in aeronautics ever since.