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Which Newton law connects downward airflow with an upward reaction?

Newton's third law, action and reaction.

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  1. Newton's first law
  2. Newton's third law ✔
  3. Newton's second law

Why: A wing redirects air downward. The air's reaction on the wing helps push the aircraft upward.

Huh, didn't know that: The downward airflow behind a wing is called downwash.

The dad joke
The wing pushed air down, and the air replied, Up you go!
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References

Answer: Newton's third law. A wing redirects air downward. The air's reaction on the wing helps push the aircraft upward.

  1. Aerospace Dimensions Module 1: Introduction to Flight akwg.cap.gov/media/cms/Module_1__Intro_to_Flight_CE64D2DBD1245_e4d7f.pdf
    For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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