What happens to lift as air density decreases?

As air density decreases, lift decreases as well. This relationship is grounded in the fundamentals of lift generation, which is described by the lift equation:

Lift = 0.5 x Cl x A x p x V^2

Where Cl is the coefficient of lift, A is the wing area, p is the air density, and V is the velocity of the aircraft. When air density (p) drops, it reduces the overall lift produced by the wings, assuming all other factors (such as the coefficient of lift, wing area, and velocity) remain constant.

In practical terms, as an aircraft ascends to higher altitudes, where the air is less dense, it must compensate for the decrease in lift by either increasing speed, altering its configuration (like deploying flaps), or adjusting the angle of attack. If these compensatory adjustments are not made, the aircraft may struggle to maintain level flight or experience a decrease in climb performance.

Thus, the correct answer accurately reflects the scientific principles that govern how lift behaves in relation to air density.