What do air compressors do with the air they intake?

Air compressors are designed specifically to take in atmospheric air and increase its pressure by forcing it into a container or storage tank. This process allows for the creation of high-pressure air that can be utilized for various applications, such as powering pneumatic tools, inflating tires, or providing breathable air in certain scenarios.

When the compressor operates, it compresses the air, which reduces its volume and increases its pressure significantly. The resulting high-pressure air is then stored in a tank until it is needed, making this process essential for the effective functioning of many tools and machines that rely on compressed air. This action of forcing air into a container under pressure is a fundamental characteristic of how compressors operate, thereby solidifying the choice as the correct answer.