Which term describes the maximum difference between the mean camber line and the chord line?

The term that describes the maximum difference between the mean camber line and the chord line of an airfoil is camber. Camber refers to the curvature of the airfoil, which directly affects the lift and aerodynamic performance of the wing. Specifically, the mean camber line represents the average curvature of the airfoil, while the chord line is a straight line connecting the leading and trailing edges. The greater the camber, the more lift the airfoil can generate at lower speeds, making it a crucial factor in wing design and performance.

The distinction between camber and the other terms is important. Thickness refers to the physical width of the airfoil at its thickest point, which affects drag but not directly the lift characteristics defined by camber. The fore-and-aft position relates to the placement of the center of gravity in relation to the wing, influencing stability but not the direct relationship between the camber line and the chord line. The dihedral angle refers to the upward angle of the wings from horizontal, which impacts roll stability and does not pertain to the curvature of the airfoil itself. Understanding these definitions helps to grasp the aerodynamic principles of wing design and performance.