AMP - Aviation Maintenance Technician Powerplant Practice Exam

In a reciprocating engine, what does the term "stroke" refer to?

1. The power produced during engine operation

2. The distance traveled by the piston within the cylinder during one complete cycle

3. The frequency of engine combustion cycles

4. The amount of fuel consumed in one cycle

The correct answer is: The distance traveled by the piston within the cylinder during one complete cycle

The term "stroke" in a reciprocating engine specifically refers to the distance that the piston travels within the cylinder during one complete cycle of the engine's operation. In a four-stroke engine, for instance, the complete cycle involves the intake, compression, power, and exhaust strokes, with the piston moving up and down within the cylinder. This movement is crucial because it directly influences the engine's displacement and helps determine the amount of air-fuel mixture that can be drawn in for combustion, ultimately affecting the engine's power output. Understanding the concept of stroke is essential for grasping how the engine transforms the reciprocating motion of the pistons into rotational motion that powers the vehicle. Other options, such as the power produced during engine operation, the frequency of combustion cycles, or the amount of fuel consumed, do not accurately define the term "stroke" and pertain to different aspects of engine performance and efficiency. Therefore, recognizing that "stroke" solely pertains to the piston's distance traveled clarifies its significance in the context of engine function and design.