Which component is connected to the crankshaft and serves to store some of the engine's power?

Which component is connected to the crankshaft and serves to store some of the engine's power?

• A. Piston
• B. Crankcase
• C. Timing belt
• D. Flywheel

Answer: (D)

Rotational energy storage is what a flywheel provides. The flywheel is bolted to the crankshaft, so it spins directly with the engine. Its heavy mass gives it inertia that resists rapid changes in speed, smoothing out the torque from each combustion event and helping the engine keep turning between power strokes. That inertia acts like a small energy reservoir, releasing energy during acceleration or when the load drops, which helps steady engine operation. Pistons convert the high-pressure gas into motion but don’t store energy as rotation. The crankcase mainly houses oil and supports moving parts, not energy storage. The timing belt transmits motion between the crankshaft and other components; it doesn’t store energy either.

Rotational energy storage is what a flywheel provides. The flywheel is bolted to the crankshaft, so it spins directly with the engine. Its heavy mass gives it inertia that resists rapid changes in speed, smoothing out the torque from each combustion event and helping the engine keep turning between power strokes. That inertia acts like a small energy reservoir, releasing energy during acceleration or when the load drops, which helps steady engine operation.

Pistons convert the high-pressure gas into motion but don’t store energy as rotation. The crankcase mainly houses oil and supports moving parts, not energy storage. The timing belt transmits motion between the crankshaft and other components; it doesn’t store energy either.