When flaps are extended during landing, what happens to induced drag?

When flaps are extended during landing, induced drag increases. This occurs because the purpose of flaps is to enhance the lift generated by the wings at lower speeds. By increasing the camber of the wing, flaps enable the aircraft to produce more lift without needing to increase the airspeed.

Induced drag is a byproduct of lift; as lift increases, induced drag also rises. This is due to the fact that the lift generated by the wings creates a higher pressure difference between the upper and lower surfaces, leading to increased downwash and, consequently, increased induced drag. During landing, pilots utilize flaps to produce sufficient lift at slower speeds, which is essential for a safe touchdown.

Thus, the correct answer reflects the relationship between lift and induced drag, which are intricately linked, particularly during critical phases of flight like landing.