The low temperature that causes carburetor ice in an engine equipped with a float type carburetor is normally the result of?

The phenomenon of carburetor ice primarily arises from the vaporization of fuel and the accompanying expansion of air as it passes through the carburetor. When fuel vaporizes, it absorbs heat from the surrounding air, leading to a drop in temperature. This decrease can facilitate conditions where moisture in the air condenses and freezes, forming ice within the carburetor.

In the context of a float type carburetor, the process works as follows: when the mixture of fuel and air enters the venturi, the drop in pressure due to the venturi effect promotes fuel vaporization. This vaporization uses heat from the air, which can lower the temperature to a point where ice can form, especially if there is sufficient moisture content in the air.

Understanding this dynamic helps pilots and mechanics recognize the conditions under which carburetor ice may develop, emphasizing the importance of monitoring temperature and humidity during flight operations.