An example of an alternative conception ('misconception') repeated in a popular science book:
"Look carefully at the wing [of an aeroplane] and you will see its upper surface is curved and its lower one is flat. This shape forces the air flowing below the wing to move more slowly than the air above it, so that the upward pressure on the wing exceeds the downward pressure and the plane feels and upward 'lift'."
Paul Sen (2022) Einstein's Fridge. The science of fire, ice and the universe. William Collins.
Read about the nature of alternative conceptions
Read about some examples of science misconceptions
Read about historical scientific conceptions
Note: this was a very common idea, often found in textbooks. But tests in wind tunnels show that the flow over the curved wing is not faster (why would it be?*) and just takes longer to clear the wing. The control surfaces ('flaps') are used to create lift (as required by Newton's third law when they push down on the passing air). Early planes that did not have curved wings managed to fly, and stunt plane sometimes fly upside down despite their wing shapes.
* When non-compressible fluid is contained in a system of pipes connected in series it flows faster through the narrower pipes (as the {mass or volume} rate at which material flows must be the same throughout) , and the pressure is lowest where the flow speed is greatest – but the air flow over aircraft wings takes place in the open air.
