In a four-stroke engine, what happens after the compression stroke?

In a four-stroke engine, the sequence of strokes is designed to convert the energy stored in fuel into mechanical work effectively. After the compression stroke, where the air-fuel mixture is compressed within the cylinder, the next event is the power stroke.

During the power stroke, the spark plug ignites the compressed air-fuel mixture. This ignition causes a rapid expansion of gases, producing high pressure that forces the piston down. This is the stroke where the engine performs its primary work, converting the chemical energy from fuel into mechanical energy.

The other options refer to events that do not occur immediately after the compression stroke. The exhaust stroke occurs after the power stroke when the engine expels the burnt gases. The intake stroke precedes the compression stroke, allowing fresh fuel and air to enter the cylinder. The engine does not shut down after the compression stroke; it continuously cycles through these strokes as long as it is running. Understanding this sequence is crucial for grasping how a four-stroke engine operates in its entirety.