What factors affect both lift and drag?

The factors that affect both lift and drag primarily include wing area and angle of attack.

Wing area is crucial because it directly influences the amount of lift generated. A larger wing area can create more lift at a given airspeed compared to a smaller wing area. However, as the wing area increases, drag also tends to increase due to the larger surface area interacting with the airflow, resulting in higher induced drag.

The angle of attack is another critical factor affecting both lift and drag. As the angle of attack increases, the lift generated by the wing increases up to a certain point, known as the critical angle of attack. However, beyond this critical angle, the wing can stall, which significantly increases drag. When the angle is increased, it also changes the airflow over the wing, which can impact the drag produced.

Understanding the relationship between wing area, angle of attack, lift, and drag is essential for effective aircraft performance and maneuvering. The other options listed do not have a direct or combined influence on both lift and drag in the same fundamental way. For instance, temperature and humidity primarily affect air density, which influences lift but do not inherently modify drag mechanics. Likewise, the color and material of the airfoil primarily impact drag due to surface characteristics