If a reciprocating air compressor was operating at a compression ratio that exceeded its design parameters, what would be the effect?

Correct Answer: Option A — Higher than normal discharge pressure and lower than normal displacement capacity.

Operating above design compression ratios increases discharge pressure, which forces more air back into the cylinder during the suction stroke due to re-expansion of clearance volume gases. This reduces the effective volumetric efficiency, resulting in a lower actual displacement capacity despite the higher discharge pressure achieved.