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ASVAB · Engine Basics and the Four-Stroke Cycle

What does engine displacement measure?

Correct answer

The total volume swept by all the pistons in the cylinders

  1. A The weight of the engine
  2. B The total volume swept by all the pistons in the cylinders
  3. C The number of spark plugs
  4. D The oil capacity

Why this is the answer

Engine displacement is the total volume swept by all the pistons moving inside the cylinders during one stroke, usually expressed in liters or cubic centimeters (cc). It is a basic measure of an engine's size and a rough indicator of its potential power and air-fuel intake — a larger displacement generally means more power but often lower fuel economy. For example, a '2.0-liter' engine has cylinders whose combined swept volume is two liters. Displacement is determined by the bore (cylinder diameter), stroke (piston travel), and number of cylinders, and it is a standard engine specification.
Source: ASVAB Auto Information — Engine Displacement

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