When an aircraft's flaps are extended, what happens to the camber of the wings?

When flaps are extended on an aircraft, the camber of the wings effectively increases. Camber refers to the curvature of the wing, which influences the airflow over the wing and thereby its lift characteristics. By extending the flaps, the shape of the wing changes, increasing its curvature.

This alteration in camber allows the wing to generate greater lift at lower speeds, which is particularly beneficial during takeoff and landing phases of flight. The increased lift helps the aircraft to maintain slower flight speeds without stalling. Understanding the relationship between flap deployment and wing camber is crucial for pilots, as it directly impacts their aircraft's performance and handling characteristics during critical phases of flight.