Know Your NatureAaravVāyu / AirAges Ages 7-10

    Why Do Kites Fly? | Know Your Nature with Aarav

    Watch on YouTube

    What will you discover?

    Wind, lift and a bit of string - Aarav explains why kites stay up.

    Key takeaways

    • Wind is air in motion, and moving air can carry weight.
    • A kite needs a tilt, called the angle of attack, to make lift.
    • The tail keeps the kite steady so it does not spin.
    • Aeroplane wings use the same idea as your kite.

    Questions this video answers

    Why do kites fall when the wind stops?

    No moving air means no lift, so gravity takes over immediately.

    Does a longer tail help?

    Yes. A tail adds drag at the back and stops the kite from twisting and diving.

    Take the learning further

    Fly a kite on two different days and note the wind. Which day needed more running to get it up?

    Sources and further reading

    Continue discovering