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.

Analogy

Think of an internal combustion engine like your body during a workout. You consume food (fuel) and oxygen (oxidizer), which your body uses to create energy for movement (combustion). Just as your muscles contract and expand to move you around, the pistons in an engine move up and down to power vehicles or machines.

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.