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How are high level condensation trails formed that are to be found occasionally behind jet aircraft?
  • A
    In conditions of low humidity, through the particles of soot contained in the exhaust gases
  • B
    Only through unburnt fuel in the exhaust gases
  • C
    Through a decrease in pressure, and the associated adiabatic drop in temperature at the wing tips while flying through relatively warm but humid air
  • D
    Through water vapour released during fuel combustion

Refer to figure.
CONDENSATION TRAILS OR “CONTRAILS”. White cloud-like streams that are sometimes visible behind jet aircraft, normally when cruising at high altitude. At high altitudes at which jets usually cruise, the air is very cold.

  • Contrails form when hot humid air from jet exhaust mixes with environmental air of low vapor pressure and low temperature. Cold air is less able to hold water vapour. Water vapour released during fuel combustion rapidly condenses, turning into droplets of water. At such high altitudes, the temperature is far below freezing, the droplets will quickly form ice particles, making up a white contrail

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