The highest point of piston travel is known as what?

• A. Top dead center
• B. Bottom dead center
• C. Mid-stroke
• D. Neutral position

Answer: (A)

The piston reaches its highest point when it is at the top of the cylinder, closest to the cylinder head. This moment, where the piston reverses direction, is called top dead center. It’s a key reference for timing events like ignition and valve opening/closing in an engine. The opposite position at the bottom of the travel is bottom dead center, the halfway point is mid-stroke, and “neutral position” isn’t a standard reference for piston motion.