Understanding Car Engines: Components and the 4-Stroke Cycle for 15-Year-Old Students

Instructions

Complete the following exercises to learn about car engines. Answer the questions to the best of your ability and use additional paper if needed.

Section 1: Engine Components

List and describe the major components of a car engine:

• Cylinders:
  
• Pistons:
  
• Crankshaft:
  
• Camshaft:
  
• Valves:
  

Section 2: The 4-Stroke Cycle

Explain each step of the 4-stroke cycle:

1. Intake Stroke:
   
2. Compression Stroke:
   
3. Power Stroke:
   
4. Exhaust Stroke:
   

Section 3: Apply Your Knowledge

True or False:

A four-stroke engine completes one full cycle in two rotations of the crankshaft.

What happens during the compression stroke? Be specific about fuel type (petrol vs. diesel).

Imagine you're explaining the 4-stroke cycle to a friend who knows nothing about cars. Write a simple explanation:

Section 4: Diagram Time

1. Draw a simple diagram of a 4-stroke engine cylinder and label its parts.
(Use a separate sheet of paper for this!)

2. Compare the sequence of operations in a petrol engine versus a diesel engine. How are they different?