Final answer:
Diesel engines power horse pullers and poppers, converting diesel fuel's chemical energy into efficient mechanical energy, known for high torque in heavy-duty applications.
Step-by-step explanation:
In horse-powered pullers and poppers, instead of human power, a diesel engine is commonly used. A diesel engine is an internal combustion engine that converts the chemical energy of diesel fuel into mechanical energy. This type of engine is known for its high torque and fuel efficiency, making it suitable for heavy-duty applications like pulling and popping.
Unlike gasoline engines that use spark plugs to ignite the fuel-air mixture, diesel engines rely on compression to ignite the fuel. When the air-fuel mixture is compressed, it becomes hot enough to ignite the diesel fuel. Once ignited, the fuel expands, driving the piston down and generating power.
Diesel engines are often favored in situations where a lot of power is needed, as they can produce more torque and are more fuel-efficient compared to gasoline engines. Their power output and durability make them well-suited for applications like pulling heavy loads, such as in horse-powered pullers and poppers.