1. Fuel Tank: The journey begins in the fuel tank, where gasoline is stored.
2. Fuel Pump: The fuel pump draws gasoline from the tank and increases its pressure. This pressure is needed to overcome the resistance of the fuel lines and injectors.
3. Fuel Filter: The fuel filter removes any contaminants (dirt, rust particles, etc.) from the gasoline before it reaches the engine. This prevents damage to sensitive engine components.
4. Fuel Injectors (or Carburetor): In modern fuel-injected engines, the fuel injectors precisely atomize the gasoline into a fine mist. This mist is then sprayed into the combustion chamber. Older vehicles might use a carburetor, which mixes air and fuel mechanically.
5. Combustion Chamber: The atomized gasoline and air mixture in the combustion chamber is ignited by a spark plug (in gasoline engines). The rapid combustion of the fuel-air mixture creates a powerful explosion that pushes the piston downwards.
6. Exhaust System: The exhaust gases (carbon dioxide, water vapor, and other byproducts of combustion) are expelled from the combustion chamber through the exhaust system. This system includes the exhaust manifold, catalytic converter (to reduce harmful emissions), muffler (to reduce noise), and tailpipe.
7. Engine: The energy from the combustion process drives the pistons, which in turn rotate the crankshaft. This rotational energy is then transferred to the transmission and ultimately to the wheels, propelling the vehicle.
In short, gasoline goes through a process of storage, pressurization, filtration, atomization (or mixing), combustion, and finally expulsion of byproducts. The energy released during combustion is harnessed to power the vehicle.
