What does a turbocharger use to spin, and what does it do for the air entering the engine?

• A. Exhaust pressure spins the turbine and increases air in the cylinder
• B. Intake air spins the turbine and decreases air in the cylinder
• C. Battery power spins the turbine and increases air in the cylinder
• D. Water pressure spins the turbine and increases air in the cylinder

Answer: (A)

A turbocharger is driven by the energy in exhaust gases. The high-pressure exhaust flow spins the turbine, which is connected to a compressor on the same shaft. As the turbine turns, the compressor draws in intake air and compresses it before it enters the engine. This increases the air density in the cylinders, allowing more oxygen for combustion and boosting power and efficiency. It’s not driven by intake air, battery power, or water pressure, and it increases, rather than decreases, the amount of air entering the cylinder.