What does the rudder control in an aircraft?

The rudder on an aircraft primarily controls yaw movement. Yaw refers to the left or right movement of an aircraft's nose around its vertical axis. When the pilot moves the rudder pedals, the rudder deflects and produces a force that causes the aircraft to rotate around this vertical axis, allowing for coordinated turns and stability. Effective yaw control is crucial during various phases of flight, especially when making turns or when compensating for crosswinds.

In contrast, pitch movement refers to the up and down movement of the aircraft's nose, which is controlled by the elevator. Roll movement, the tilting of the aircraft from side to side, is managed by the ailerons. The speed of descent is influenced by various factors such as engine power and configuration, but it is not directly controlled by the rudder.