What is induced drag a byproduct of?

Induced drag is closely linked to the generation of lift in an aircraft. When an airplane flies, its wings create lift to counteract its weight. As the angle of attack increases to generate more lift, the airflow over the wings creates vortices at the wingtips, which results in an increase in induced drag. This type of drag is directly proportional to the amount of lift produced; therefore, as lift increases, so does induced drag. This relationship is particularly significant at lower speeds, where a higher angle of attack is often required to maintain lift, leading to a more pronounced effect of induced drag. Understanding this relationship is crucial for pilots, as managing lift and the associated drag is essential for efficient flight and performance.