Ask A Scientist© Engineering Archive

Index Key:   ENG036
Author:      jason
Subject:     Gasoline in internal combustion engines.
What happens to the gasoline to keep an internal combustion engine running?

Response #:  1 of 1
Author:      wildman jackson
The gasoline in an engine is combusted, which caused the liquid fuel to
change into gaseous form, expelling large amounts of energy in the process. 
This energy is then harnessed by mechanical means, and converted into
mechanical energy which is used to do work.  Of course, the overall effi-
ciency of the engine depends on the type of fuel used (i.e. unleaded,
premium, alcohol, etc.)