Science Behind: Driving Cars

Look, I’m not that big of a car person myself (despite my brother being obsessed with them) but the chemistry and physics behind cars are what finally piqued my interest.

Your car essentially runs on the chemical reaction of a combustion, or at least thats the process the (internal combustion) engine uses to generate the energy to propel you forward. Combustion is simply the process of a hydro-carbon (a compound of hydrogen and carbon) reacting with pure oxygen to produce pure water and energy. The gasoline you put into your car is a mixture of liquid hydrocarbons, which is then reacted with pure oxygen to produce energy. 

How do they react? That’s a great question!

Internal combustion engines are typically referred to as “Four Stroke Engines” which means they have four key components involving a piston, valve, and open space. First, the piston moves down, allowing fuel and air into the open space. Second, the piston moves up and locks the fuel and air into a tight space. Third, a spark is ignited from a spark plug (a component of a car), which then creates energy via the combustion reaction. Fourth, the valve opens and all exhaust gasses are released. Boom! You just powered a car. 

Stay safe on the roads!