What does induced drag primarily depend on?

Induced drag primarily depends on the angle of attack. This type of drag is generated by the creation of lift and is a byproduct of the aerodynamic forces acting on the wings. As the angle of attack increases, the lift generated by the wing also increases, but so does the induced drag. This relationship exists because higher angles of attack lead to greater pressure differences between the upper and lower surfaces of the wing, which in turn increases vortex strength and the associated drag.

When an aircraft is flying at a low speed or when it is in a climbing scenario, the angle of attack is typically higher, leading to a increase in induced drag. Conversely, if the angle of attack is reduced, as in cruise flight where speed is higher, the induced drag decreases. This interplay makes angle of attack a critical factor in determining the amount of induced drag an aircraft experiences during flight.