Combustion efficiency is affected by the ratio of what two components?

Combustion efficiency is significantly influenced by the ratio of air and fuel present during the combustion process. The air-fuel mixture needs to be balanced to achieve optimal combustion; too much air can lead to excess oxygen, while too little can result in incomplete combustion and higher emissions of pollutants.

When air is mixed with fuel in the proper ratio, it allows for complete combustion to occur, resulting in maximum energy extraction from the fuel. This process minimizes unburned fuel in the exhaust and ensures that pollutants produced, such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides, are at lower levels due to more efficient burning.

In contrast, focusing on other combinations like air and carbon, fuel and water, or oxygen and nitrogen does not directly address the fundamental relationship between the fuel and the combustion-supporting air. Air and fuel specifically highlight the combustion process and its efficiency.