Which statement correctly describes the effect of increasing wing camber on lift potential?

• A. Decreases lift
• B. Increases lift
• C. Does not affect lift
• D. Decreases drag only

Answer: (B)

Increasing wing camber raises the lift coefficient at a given angle of attack, so lift potential goes up. Lift is proportional to the lift coefficient, so for the same airspeed and wing area, a more cambered airfoil generates more lift because the flow is deflected more effectively, creating a larger pressure difference between the upper and lower surfaces. This doesn’t mean drag doesn’t change—camber usually increases drag as well—but the question focuses on lift, and camber directly enhances lift at the same flight conditions. The other statements aren’t correct because camber does affect lift (not just drag), and it does not inherently decrease lift or leave lift unchanged.