How does an internal combustion engine produce power?

An internal combustion engine produces power primarily through the process of igniting a mixture of air and fuel. When the engine's piston moves down during the intake stroke, it draws in air mixed with fuel. This mixture is then compressed as the piston moves back up in the cylinder during the compression stroke. Once the mixture is sufficiently compressed, a spark from the spark plug ignites it, causing a rapid expansion of gases. This explosion pushes the piston down during the power stroke, which generates the mechanical energy needed to turn the crankshaft and ultimately power the vehicle.

This ignition process is crucial because it's the specific act of igniting the air-fuel mixture that leads to the explosion necessary for creating power. While compression and the presence of electric sparks are important components, it is the ignition of the mixture that directly results in the power output. Hydraulic pressure is not involved in the combustion process of a standard internal combustion engine, making it irrelevant in this context.