What is typically the relationship between temperature and fuel volatility?

The correct relationship is that higher temperatures increase fuel volatility. Fuel volatility refers to how easily a fuel vaporizes; this characteristic is crucial for combustion, especially in four-stroke engines. When temperatures rise, the kinetic energy of the molecules in the fuel also increases. This elevated energy causes more molecules to evaporate, thus enhancing the volatility.

In practical terms, fuels that have higher volatility at elevated temperatures will tend to vaporize more readily, leading to more efficient combustion. This is beneficial for engine performance, as it aids in mixing with air and achieving a more uniform combustion process.

Understanding volatility in relation to temperature is essential for tasks such as engine tuning and fuel selection. As temperature affects the way fuels behave, it plays a significant role in optimizing engine performance under various operating conditions.