How does temperature affect battery performance during flight?

The choice regarding extreme temperatures reducing efficiency and capacity is correct because battery performance is significantly influenced by temperature conditions. In cold environments, battery chemical reactions slow down, leading to reduced capacity and power output. This means that even if a battery is fully charged, its ability to deliver the necessary energy for operational requirements can be diminished in low temperatures.

Conversely, in high-temperature scenarios, batteries can become overworked, potentially leading to overheating and reduced service life. This can also result in decreased efficiency as the battery management systems may limit the power output to prevent damage. Thus, both extreme heat and cold are detrimental to battery performance during flight, affecting the overall reliability of critical systems that depend on battery power.

Understanding this relationship helps in managing battery usage and performance during various flight conditions, ensuring that pilots and maintenance personnel can adequately prepare for and mitigate the impacts of temperature on aircraft batteries.