What type of engine completes a cycle in four strokes?

A four-stroke engine is specifically designed to complete an entire cycle of operation in four distinct strokes of the piston - the intake stroke, compression stroke, power stroke, and exhaust stroke. This design is fundamental to how the engine operates, allowing it to utilize each stroke for a specific function within the overall cycle.

During the intake stroke, the engine brings in air-fuel mixture, followed by the compression stroke where the mixture is compressed in the cylinder. The power stroke occurs when the compressed mixture is ignited, producing energy that drives the piston down. Finally, the exhaust stroke expels the combustion gases, making way for the next cycle.

This systematic approach allows four-stroke engines to be more fuel-efficient and produce less pollution compared to other engine configurations, making them common in automobiles and many other applications. Other options refer to different types of engines: a single-stroke engine utilizes only one stroke for a full operation cycle, a two-stroke engine completes its cycle in just two strokes but typically has poorer fuel efficiency and higher emissions, and a multi-stroke engine implies a more complex arrangement that doesn't specifically denote a four-stroke configuration. Therefore, the clarity in operation and efficiency of a four-stroke engine solidifies its correct identification in