When the recovery factor of a temperature sensor is at one hundred percent, the ram air temperature is equal to what?

The recovery factor of a temperature sensor being at one hundred percent indicates that the sensor accurately reflects the total air temperature. Total air temperature is the temperature of the air parcel when it is brought to rest and is influenced by both the static air temperature and the kinetic energy of the air due to its motion.

When the recovery factor is optimal, it means that the sensor is effectively measuring the total temperature without any significant errors or losses. As a result, when ram air temperature is at one hundred percent recovery, it matches the total air temperature, which accounts for both the ambient conditions and the effects of airspeed on temperature readings. This temperature is crucial for performance calculations in aviation as it directly affects engine performance, lift, and other aerodynamic properties.

The other temperature types mentioned do not apply in this context; static air temperature is not adjusted for energy from motion, effective air temperature often considers humidity effects, and dew point temperature is related to moisture content in the air rather than its kinetic properties. Thus, the only situation where ram air temperature equals static conditions—while also accounting for motion—is when it aligns with total air temperature, making this choice the correct one.