Final answer:
Bernoulli's equation describes the inverse relationship between the velocity and pressure of a fluid; applying this principle to airplane wings, where air flows faster over the top surface, results in lower pressure and generates lift.
Step-by-step explanation:
The relationship between Bernoulli's equation and the force of lift for an airplane wing is based on the principle that an increase in the speed of the fluid occurs simultaneously with a decrease in pressure. The typical airplane wing is designed so that air flows faster over the top surface than underneath it.
This speed difference results in lower pressure on the upper surface compared to the pressure under the wing, which creates an upward force, known as lift. Bernoulli's equation, which incorporates fluid pressure, kinetic energy, and potential energy, helps in quantifying this effect. In the case of wings, the shape causes the air to flow in such a way that the lift is created.
This concept also applies to sails, where the difference in pressure on either side generates forward thrust.