What are the steps of a four-step engine operation?

The four-step operation of an engine is correctly identified as intake, compression, power, and exhaust. This sequence outlines the fundamental stages of how an internal combustion engine functions.

During the intake phase, the engine draws in a mixture of air and fuel into the combustion chamber. This step is crucial because it sets up the fuel-air mix that will be ignited to produce energy.

Next is the compression phase, where the engine compresses the fuel-air mixture under high pressure. This compression is essential as it increases the temperature of the mixture, making it more volatile and ready for combustion.

The power phase follows, during which the spark plug ignites the compressed fuel-air mixture, leading to a rapid expansion of gases. This expansion pushes the piston down, which produces the power that drives the engine.

Finally, during the exhaust phase, the combustion gases are expelled from the combustion chamber as the piston moves back up. This step clears the chamber, making it ready for the next cycle of intake.

Understanding these four steps provides insight into the operational cycle of an internal combustion engine and illustrates how efficiently engines operate through this repeated sequence.