Which statement is true regarding the behavior of cold and hot air?

The statement that cold air is denser than hot air is accurate because temperature significantly affects air density. As air is heated, the molecules within it become more energetic and move apart, leading to a decrease in density. Conversely, when air cools, its molecules lose energy and come closer together, resulting in higher density. This principle is fundamental in meteorology and aviation, influencing weather patterns, flight performance, and the behavior of aircraft in different atmospheric conditions.

Understanding this concept is essential for pilots because the density of air affects lift, engine performance, and aircraft performance overall. For example, when flying in colder conditions, pilots may find that the aircraft performs better due to the increased density of cold air providing more lift.