What is the primary purpose of the fletching on an arrow?

The primary purpose of fletching on an arrow is to stabilize the arrow in flight. Fletching, which typically consists of feathers or plastic vanes attached to the shaft of the arrow, plays a crucial role in aerodynamics. When an arrow is shot, it experiences various forces. The fletching helps to create a spin and stabilizes the arrow during its trajectory, allowing it to fly more accurately towards the intended target. This stabilization is important because an arrow that is not stabilized may wobble or veer off course, reducing accuracy and effectiveness in hitting the target.

While increasing speed, adding weight, or marking the owner's arrow may have some relevance in different contexts, they are not the fundamental reasons for the inclusion of fletching. The fletching's primary function is to ensure a straight, stable flight path, which is essential for successful archery.