What is the effect of lower air density on a running engine at high altitudes?

Lower air density at high altitudes results in reduced oxygen available for combustion in an engine. Combustion engines rely on a specific air-to-fuel ratio to operate efficiently. When the air is less dense, there are fewer oxygen molecules present in the intake air, which means that less oxygen is available to mix with the fuel for combustion. As a result, the engine cannot produce the same amount of power as it does at sea level, where the air is denser and contains more oxygen.

This condition affects the overall performance of the engine, leading to a decrease in power output and efficiency. The engine's control systems, such as engine management and fuel injection systems, may attempt to compensate for the reduced oxygen levels, but they can only do so to a limited extent. Understanding this effect is crucial, especially for applications and vehicles that operate at high altitudes, as it influences performance and fuel management strategies.