What is the effect of leading-edge slats on an airfoil's lift curve?

(A) Delays boundary layer stall to higher angles of attack, increasing C_{L,max} without changing the zero-lift angle

(B) Shifts the entire lift curve to the left without increasing C_{L,max}

(C) Completely eliminates induced drag

(D) Reduces wing area

Answer Key:

A

### Solution: Leading-edge slats re-energize the boundary layer on the upper surface, allowing the airfoil to reach much higher angles of attack before stalling, thereby increasing C_{L,max} without significant change in lpha_{L=0}. Correct: A.

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