How Does It Work
During March we will be using the theme of “how things work” to increase our vocabulary.
This week’s English lesson :
The internal combustion engine: Cars, motorcycles, buses etc.
SECTION ONE
A car engine works by converting fuel into mechanical energy through a process called internal combustion. When the engine is started, air and fuel mix in the combustion chamber (cylinder) , and the mixture is compressed by the pistons. A spark from the spark plug ignites this mixture, causing an explosion that pushes the pistons down. This linear motion is converted into rotational motion through the crankshaft, which ultimately powers the vehicle’s wheels. The engine also has a cooling system to prevent overheating and may include various parts such as the intake and exhaust systems, which manage air flow and emissions.
VOCABULARY: After reading the text discuss the highlighted text.
GRAMMAR: The word “THROUGH, THOUGH” is used twice in the text what do the words “through & though” mean in each example?
DIAGRAMS
SECTION TWO
An internal combustion engine consists of several key parts, each serving distinct functions: Translate each component into your native language.
1. **Cylinders**: The main chambers where fuel and air mix and combust; the number of cylinders can affect the engine’s power and efficiency.
2. **Pistons**: These are movable components within the cylinders that compress the air-fuel mixture and convert the energy from combustion into mechanical work.
3. **Crankshaft**: Connected to the pistons, it converts the linear motion of the pistons into rotational motion, which ultimately drives the vehicle.
4. **Camshaft**: This part controls the opening and closing of the engine’s intake and exhaust valves, synchronized with the pistons’ movement for optimal airflow.
5. **Intake and Exhaust Valves**: Intake valves allow the air-fuel mixture into the cylinders, while exhaust valves expel the combustion gases out of the engine after the power stroke.
6. **Spark Plug**: In gasoline engines, spark plugs ignite the air-fuel mixture by producing a spark, initiating the combustion process.
7. **Fuel Injector**: In modern engines, fuel injectors spray atomized fuel into the combustion chamber for more efficient combustion compared to carburetors.
8. **Cooling System**: Comprising components like the radiator and water pump, it regulates engine temperature by dissipating excess heat produced during combustion.
9. **Lubrication System**: It distributes oil throughout the engine parts to reduce friction, prevent wear, and remove heat.
10. **Exhaust Manifold**: This component collects exhaust gases from multiple cylinders and channels them to the exhaust system, ensuring effective removal of combustion byproducts.
Each of these parts works together in a coordinated manner to facilitate the engine’s overall function of powering the vehicle.
SECTION THREE: Watch the 6 minute video and then answer the four questions below.
QUESTIONS:
- What type of fuel was the car using?
- What is the technique called they used to save fuel?
- What does a crankshaft do?
- How much energy is lost in an internal combustion engine and how is it lost?