AMP - Aviation Maintenance Technician Powerplant Practice Exam

What is the function of a turbocharger in piston engines?

1. To cool the engine during operation

2. To compress incoming air, increasing power by allowing more oxygen for combustion

3. To reduce engine noise

4. To filter fuel before combustion

The correct answer is: To compress incoming air, increasing power by allowing more oxygen for combustion

The function of a turbocharger in piston engines is to compress incoming air, which enhances engine performance by providing a greater amount of oxygen for combustion. When a turbocharger boosts the air entering the engine, it allows for a denser air-fuel mixture to be ignited. This, in turn, increases the power output of the engine without significantly increasing its physical size or weight. By forcing more air into the combustion chamber, a turbocharger enables the engine to burn more fuel efficiently, leading to improved power and efficiency. In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the primary function of a turbocharger. While cooling the engine and noise reduction are important aspects of engine operation overall, they are not roles fulfilled by a turbocharger. A turbocharger primarily focuses on air compression to improve combustion, whereas filtering fuel is a task typically handled by the fuel system and its components, not the turbocharger.