What effect does a change in temperature have on the density of air?

An increase in temperature causes air molecules to move more vigorously, which leads to a greater separation between the molecules. As these molecules spread out, the overall density of the air decreases. This phenomenon can be understood through the ideal gas law, which states that, for a given amount of gas at constant pressure, the volume of the gas expands as temperature increases. Since density is defined as mass divided by volume, if the volume increases while the mass remains unchanged, the density decreases.

This principle has significant implications in atmospheric science and aviation, as less dense air can affect lift, performance, and weather patterns. Higher temperatures often correlate with lower air density, which is crucial for understanding how aircraft operate under varying weather conditions.