How does temperature affect aircraft performance?

Higher temperatures decrease air density, which directly impacts aircraft performance. As the temperature increases, the air molecules become more energetic and spread further apart, resulting in a lower density of air. This reduction in air density adversely affects lift, as lift is generated through the movement of air over the wings. Since lift is proportional to air density, when air density decreases, the lift generated at a given airspeed also decreases.

Additionally, a reduction in air density can lead to a decrease in engine performance, as engines rely on oxygen in the air for combustion. With less oxygen available at higher temperatures, engine power output can be compromised, impacting overall performance. Thus, the correct understanding is that higher temperatures decrease air density, thereby reducing lift and impacting aircraft performance negatively.