In Aerodynamics, lift is achieved by an airfoil shape. However, Lift can be accomplished by rapidly spinning a sphere on cylendar. A flat, round wing can produce lift. The sphape of a wing, as you can see, doesn't really matter. The key to lift is air pressure. Higher pressure under the wing and lower pressure above the wing produces lift. On the other hand, the angle lift is attempted at is very important. Without an angle of attack, takeoff is virtually impossible! (This is why pilots always set flaps for flights.) This force is Aerodynamics,yet can only be a part of the whole of Aerodynamics also.
Thrust is a force that propells an object forward. Propellers abd jet engines provide thrust for aircraft Flapping of wings, as in birds, can produce trust as well as lift. Propullsion is another, better name for thrust.
Drag is a force that slows things down. However without drag, nothing could stay still, or move. Drag is often consitered the "worst" aerodynamic force. Drag can waste energy, create emense amounts of heat, and knock planes around.Even though drag is nessasary, drag is not trying to help.
Gravity is the force that keeps objects from floating arount. Withou gravity, lift is achievable with almost no thrust. Gravity is just something we have to deal with.
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