Motoring
Motors and Engine Mechanics
Examine the technical principles, layouts, and operating cycles of internal combustion and electric motors.
This is a free, 6-question multiple-choice quiz. Answer each question to see whether you got it right, with an explanation for every answer. There is no sign-up and no time limit — take it as many times as you like, and scroll down for the full answer key once you are done.
Question 1 of 6
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What are the four sequential strokes of a classic four-stroke internal combustion engine cycle?
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Answer key & explanations
Every question in this quiz, with the correct answer marked and an explanation of why it is right. Use it to revise before or after taking the quiz above.
1.What are the four sequential strokes of a classic four-stroke internal combustion engine cycle?
- AIntake, Compression, Power, Exhaust✓ Correct
- BIgnition, Expansion, Induction, Compression
- CInjection, Spark, Sweep, Vent
- DSuction, Combustion, Compression, Discharge
Correct answer: Intake, Compression, Power, Exhaust
The Otto cycle comprises intake (drawing mixture), compression, power (expansion after ignition), and exhaust (expelling burnt gases).
2.How does a diesel engine ignite its air-fuel mixture inside the cylinder?
- AA high-output spark plug
- BExtreme heat generated by high compression✓ Correct
- CAn electromagnetic glow arc
- DPreheated intake manifold chambers
Correct answer: Extreme heat generated by high compression
Diesel engines lack spark plugs; they compress ambient air to extreme pressures, raising temperatures high enough to ignite atomized fuel instantly.
3.What component in a reciprocating engine converts linear piston motion into rotational torque?
- ACamshaft
- BFlywheel
- CCrankshaft✓ Correct
- DConnecting rod bearing
Correct answer: Crankshaft
Pistons push connecting rods against offset crankpins, causing the crankshaft to spin and deliver mechanical rotational energy.
4.Which internal combustion engine design utilizes a triangular rotary piston rather than reciprocating cylinders?
- AWankel engine✓ Correct
- BBoxer engine
- CSterling engine
- DRadial engine
Correct answer: Wankel engine
Felix Wankel designed the rotary engine, which employs an eccentric rotor turning inside an epitrochoidal housing without reciprocating pistons.
5.What is the primary operational distinction between a turbocharger and a traditional mechanical supercharger?
- AA turbocharger is driven by exhaust gases, while a supercharger is driven mechanically by the crankshaft✓ Correct
- BA supercharger runs exclusively on intake vacuum pressure
- CA turbocharger only operates on diesel fuel engines
- DA supercharger requires electrical battery drive to turn its impeller
Correct answer: A turbocharger is driven by exhaust gases, while a supercharger is driven mechanically by the crankshaft
Turbochargers harvest waste energy from expanding exhaust gas to spin a turbine, whereas superchargers are belt-driven directly off the engine crank.
6.In modern electric vehicle motors, what stationary component creates the rotating magnetic field to drive the rotor?
- ACommutator
- BStator✓ Correct
- CInverter
- DArmature slip ring
Correct answer: Stator
The stator contains phase windings supplied with alternating current to establish the electromagnetic field that induces or pulls the rotor.
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