During a four-stroke engine cycle, what occurs immediately after the intake stroke?

After the intake stroke in a four-stroke engine cycle, the next action is the compression stroke. During the intake stroke, the engine’s intake valve opens, allowing the air-fuel mixture to fill the cylinder as the piston moves down. Once this stroke is complete, the piston moves back up toward the cylinder head, and the intake valve closes.

During the compression stroke, the piston compresses the air-fuel mixture within the cylinder, raising its temperature and pressure in preparation for ignition. This compression is crucial because it improves the efficiency and power output of the engine during the subsequent power stroke. Compartmentalizing the engine cycle into these distinct strokes allows for effective management of airflow, fuel combustion, and exhaust expulsion, making the four-stroke engine cycle a highly efficient design for power generation in reciprocating engines.