The Internal Combustion Engine in Theory and Practice

The internal combustion engine (ICE) converts fuel, usually gasoline or diesel, into mechanical energy. Inside the engine, fuel mixes with air and is compressed in cylinders. Spark plugs ignite this mixture, causing a small explosion that forces a piston to move. This movement turns a shaft connected to the wheels or machinery. The process repeats rapidly, producing continuous power. While efficient and powerful, ICEs emit pollutants. They're widely used in cars, trucks, and many machines, translating chemical energy from fuel into the motion needed for transportation and industrial work.