Final answer:
An internally driven supercharger boosts air pressure before the air reaches the combustion chamber during the intake stroke (a), not after the combustion chamber, at the turbine exit, or during the power stroke.
Step-by-step explanation:
An internally driven supercharger boosts air pressure before the air reaches the combustion chamber. Specifically, it compresses the air during the intake stroke, which is when air (or an air-fuel mixture) is drawn into the combustion chamber. In a typical four-stroke internal combustion engine cycle, the supercharger operates as described:
- (a) During the intake stroke, the air is mixed with fuel as it's drawn into the chamber, and this is where the supercharger increases the air pressure.
- (b) The compression stroke follows, further compressing the already pressurized air-fuel mixture in a nearly adiabatic process.
- (c) Next is the power stroke, where the mixture is ignited and drives the piston down.
- (d) Finally, the exhaust stroke expels combustion gases and prepares for a new cycle.
The correct answer to the initial question is (a) Before the compressor.