Answer:
The 5 factors that could affect speed are:
1. Air density: Higher air density provides more molecules for an aircraft to interact with, resulting in increased lift and decreased stall speed. Conversely, lower air density reduces lift and increases stall speed. For example, an airplane flying at a higher altitude will experience lower air density, which can affect its speed.
2. Angle of attack: The angle at which an aircraft's wings meet the oncoming air, known as the angle of attack, greatly influences its speed. By increasing the angle of attack, an aircraft can generate more lift at lower speeds. However, if the angle of attack becomes too high, the airflow over the wings may become disrupted, resulting in a stall.
3. Aircraft weight: The weight of an aircraft affects its speed as well. A heavier aircraft requires more lift to counteract the force of gravity, which can result in a higher stall speed. Conversely, a lighter aircraft requires less lift and can achieve a lower stall speed.
4. Flap configuration: The configuration of flaps on an aircraft's wings can affect its speed. By extending the flaps, the wing's surface area increases, providing more lift at lower speeds. This allows the aircraft to maintain flight at slower speeds, such as during takeoff and landing.
5. Airfoil design: The shape and design of an aircraft's wings, known as the airfoil, can impact its speed. Different airfoils are optimized for specific flight conditions. For example, a thin airfoil is often used in high-speed aircraft to minimize drag, while a thicker airfoil is more common in slower aircraft to maximize lift.
Now, let's talk about stall speed. Stall speed refers to the minimum speed at which an aircraft can maintain controlled flight. It occurs when the angle of attack becomes too high, causing the airflow over the wings to become turbulent and separation to occur. When an aircraft reaches its stall speed, it experiences a loss of lift and becomes more difficult to control. It is crucial for pilots to be aware of an aircraft's stall speed and avoid flying below it to ensure safe and stable flight.