What type of drag varies inversely with airspeed, requiring an increase in angle of attack as airspeed decreases?

Induced drag is a crucial concept in aerodynamics, particularly in relation to how it behaves with changes in airspeed. It is a type of drag that is generated as a byproduct of lift. As an aircraft generates lift, the airflow over the wings creates vortices, which ultimately results in induced drag.

The key relationship here is that induced drag varies inversely with airspeed. When airspeed decreases, the aircraft's wings must be at a higher angle of attack to maintain the necessary lift. Since induced drag increases with angle of attack and is tied to the production of lift, a decrease in airspeed necessitates an increase in angle of attack, thus leading to a rise in induced drag.

Therefore, the correct answer connects the concepts of airspeed, angle of attack, and induced drag in a way that reflects how aircraft performance is managed during flight. Understanding this dynamic helps pilots maintain control and efficiency in various flight regimes, especially during slow flight or approach phases where drag management is critical.