Internal Combustion Engine
Definition
An internal combustion engine is a heat engine where the combustion of a fuel occurs with an oxidizer in a combustion chamber. This process results in the force needed to move pistons contained within cylinders, which then powers a vehicle or machine.
Related terms
Combustion Chamber: The part of an engine where fuel is burned, creating force to move the pistons.
Piston: A cylindrical piece that moves up and down inside the cylinder of an engine due to pressure from combustion.
Cylinder: The central working part of a reciprocating engine or pump, typically forming one among several such enclosed spaces in which fuel is combusted.
"Internal Combustion Engine" appears in:
Subjects (1)
AP World History: Modern
Study guides (1)
AP US History - 6.5 Technological Innovation
Additional resources (1)
AP US History - 6.1 Context of Industrialization and the Gilded Age
Are you a college student?
Study guides for the entire semester
200k practice questions
Glossary of 50k key terms - memorize important vocab
About Us
About Fiveable
Blog
Careers
Code of Conduct
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
CCPA Privacy Policy
Resources
Cram Mode
AP Score Calculators
Study Guides
Practice Quizzes
Glossary
Cram Events
Merch Shop
Crisis Text Line
Help Center
Stay Connected
© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.
About Us
About Fiveable
Blog
Careers
Code of Conduct
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
CCPA Privacy Policy
Resources
Cram Mode
AP Score Calculators
Study Guides
Practice Quizzes
Glossary
Cram Events
Merch Shop
Crisis Text Line
Help Center
© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.