How does a higher temperature affect aircraft performance on takeoff?

A higher temperature can affect aircraft performance during takeoff due to the reduction in air density. As the temperature increases, the air becomes less dense, which means there are fewer air molecules in a given volume of air. This has several implications for takeoff performance.

When air density is lower, the amount of lift generated by the wings is also reduced. The aircraft requires a higher true airspeed to achieve the same amount of lift, which can, in turn, lead to a requirement for a longer runway distance to reach the needed speed for takeoff.

Additionally, the performance of the engines can suffer due to the reduced air density, as they rely on air intake for optimal performance and efficiency. Therefore, the combination of reduced lift and engine performance may necessitate a longer runway to safely take off in higher temperature conditions.

The correct answer reflects an understanding of how temperature impacts the physical properties of air and subsequently the aircraft's performance metrics during takeoff.