Which type of energy conversion occurs in an internal combustion engine?

The internal combustion engine operates primarily through the conversion of chemical energy into thermal energy, which is then transformed into mechanical energy. In an internal combustion engine, fuel (such as gasoline or diesel) undergoes combustion, a chemical reaction that releases energy in the form of heat. This thermal energy is generated as the fuel burns in the combustion chamber.

As the combustion occurs, it increases the temperature and pressure of the gases inside the engine. This high-pressure gas pushes the piston down in the cylinder, converting the thermal energy into mechanical energy. The movement of the piston is what ultimately drives the crankshaft, producing the motion needed to power a vehicle or machinery.

This process is a fundamental principle underlying the functioning of most internal combustion engines, distinguishing it from other types of energy conversions found in different systems.