Which of the following statements about wing tip vortices strength are correct?

• A. Both statements are true
• B. First statement is true, second is false
• C. First statement is false, second is true
• D. Both statements are false

Answer: (D)

Wing tip vortices derive from the lift the wing creates. The stronger the lift (for a given weight, that depends on lift coefficient and dynamic pressure), the stronger the vortices. They originate immediately behind the wing and are at their peak there, then weaken as they move away from the aircraft and mix with the surrounding air. They’re not inherently stronger just because the airplane is flying faster, and they do not become stronger as you move farther from the aircraft; instead, they dissipate with distance and time.

So, if the statements claim that vortex strength increases with airspeed or increases as you move away from the aircraft, those claims aren’t correct. Both statements being false aligns with the understanding that vortex strength is tied to lift and decays with distance and over time.