Which statement regarding wing tip vortices is false?

Vortices are a natural byproduct of lift generation by an aircraft's wings and are primarily caused by the difference in pressure between the upper and lower surfaces of the wings. As air moves over the wings, it spills over the wingtips due to this pressure difference, forming rotating columns of air that descend and move outward in a circular motion.

While "jet wash" refers to the high-speed exhaust from jet engines, it is not responsible for creating the wing tip vortices. Instead, vortices originate from the lift-generating action of the wings, regardless of whether the aircraft is a jet or a propeller-driven plane. Therefore, stating that vortices are caused directly by "jet wash" misrepresents the fundamental aerodynamic principles of lift and the formation of wing-tip vortices.

Understanding that vortex behavior is influenced by aircraft weight, design, and configuration is crucial. Heavier aircraft produce stronger and more persistent vortices, which can be hazardous to other aircraft, particularly smaller ones that may inadvertently fly through these regions of disturbed air.