What is the term for the downward movement of air behind a wing during flight?

The term for the downward movement of air behind a wing during flight is downwash. This phenomenon occurs as a result of the lift generated by the wing. When a wing creates lift, the airflow is deflected downwards as it moves over and around the wing. This downward deflection of air is crucial, as it illustrates how lift is produced: the wing pushes air down, and in response, the wing is lifted upwards according to Newton's third law of motion.

Downwash plays an important role in the aerodynamics of flight and is also a consideration in various disciplines, such as aircraft design and flight safety. Understanding downwash aids in grasping how different flight maneuvers and formations can influence the aircraft's performance and the behavior of surrounding aircraft within the wake of an active wing.