What is the order of the four strokes in an internal combustion engine, starting with the intake stroke?

The correct order of the four strokes in an internal combustion engine is indeed intake, compression, power, and exhaust.

During the intake stroke, the intake valve opens, allowing the air-fuel mixture to enter the cylinder as the piston moves down. This stroke sets the stage for the engine's operation by filling the combustion chamber with the necessary fuel and air.

Next, in the compression stroke, the piston moves back up to compress the air-fuel mixture. This compression increases the mixture's temperature and pressure, making it more volatile and ready for ignition. This preparation is crucial for the efficiency and effectiveness of combustion.

After the compression stroke, the power stroke occurs when the spark plug ignites the compressed mixture. This ignition causes a rapid expansion of gases, driving the piston down and producing the power that drives the engine's output.

Finally, in the exhaust stroke, the exhaust valve opens, and the piston moves back up to expel the burnt gases from the combustion chamber, clearing the way for a new air-fuel mixture to enter during the next cycle.

Understanding this order is fundamental in internal combustion engine operation, as it illustrates how engines convert fuel into mechanical energy through sequential stages of intake, compression, power generation, and exhaust release.