How do spoilers contribute to flight?

Spoilers play a crucial role in modifying the airflow over an aircraft wing. When deployed, they disrupt the smooth flow of air, causing an increase in turbulence. This turbulence results in a loss of lift because the airflow is no longer streamlined, which can lead to a decrease in the pressure differential between the upper and lower surfaces of the wing. At the same time, the disruption of airflow increases drag, as the chaotic air movements create additional resistance against the direction of flight.

This function is particularly important during landing or descent phases of flight. When pilots deploy spoilers, they effectively reduce the lift generated by the wings, allowing for controlled descent and quicker deceleration. While the increase in drag is a necessary trade-off for the loss of lift, it enhances control capabilities and helps the aircraft land safely and efficiently.

The other options suggest incorrect relationships between lift and drag with respect to spoiler deployment, either proposing that spoilers increase lift or enhance speed, which contradicts the fundamental aerodynamic principles governing their operation.