Combustion Engines: How Gasoline Reactions Move Cars

Combustion engines power cars by burning gasoline in controlled explosions.
Gasoline vapor mixes with air to form a fuel–air mixture inside cylinders.
A spark plug ignites the mixture, starting the combustion reaction.
The reaction releases hot gases that expand rapidly.
Expanding gases push pistons, converting chemical energy into motion.
Pistons turn the crankshaft, which powers the wheels of the car.
Exhaust gases—mainly carbon dioxide and water vapor—exit through the tailpipe.
Engines use cycles like the four-stroke cycle: intake, compression, power, exhaust.
Efficiency depends on fuel quality, design, and timing of combustion.
Modern engines aim to reduce emissions while maximizing energy output.