How a Car Engine Moves the Wheels

The Basics

A car engine is a machine that converts the chemical energy in gasoline into mechanical energy. This mechanical energy is then used to turn the wheels of the car, which allows it to move.

The basic components of a car engine are the cylinders, pistons, crankshaft, and valves. The cylinders are where the gasoline is burned. The pistons are what move up and down inside the cylinders, converting the energy of the burning gasoline into mechanical energy. The crankshaft is what connects the pistons to the wheels. The valves are what control the flow of gasoline and air into and out of the cylinders.

The Four-Stroke Cycle

The four-stroke cycle is the sequence of events that takes place inside a car engine. The four strokes are:

1. Intake stroke: The intake valve opens, allowing air and gasoline to enter the cylinder.
2. Compression stroke: The intake valve closes and the piston moves up, compressing the air and gasoline mixture.
3. Power stroke: The spark plug ignites the air and gasoline mixture, causing it to burn. The burning gases expand, pushing the piston down.
4. Exhaust stroke: The exhaust valve opens, allowing the burned gases to escape from the cylinder.

The four-stroke cycle is repeated over and over again, which keeps the car engine running.

The Transmission

The transmission is a device that allows the car to move at different speeds. The transmission is connected to the crankshaft and the wheels. When the driver shifts gears, the transmission changes the ratio of the gears, which changes the speed of the wheels.

The Differential

The differential is a device that allows the wheels on the same axle to turn at different speeds. This is necessary when the car is turning, as the wheels on the outside of the turn need to turn faster than the wheels on the inside of the turn.

Conclusion

The car engine is a complex machine that converts the chemical energy in gasoline into mechanical energy. This mechanical energy is then used to turn the wheels of the car, which allows it to move. The transmission and differential are two important components that help the car to move at different speeds and turn corners.