Final answer:
A supercharger is powered by the engine itself using a belt connected to the crankshaft. It compresses air into the combustion chambers of an engine, increasing the mass of air delivered to the engine. The primary function of a supercharger is to improve engine performance by increasing power output.
Step-by-step explanation:
A supercharger is a device that forcefully compresses air into the combustion chambers of an internal combustion engine, increasing the mass of air delivered to the engine. It is powered by the engine itself, using a belt connected to the crankshaft. The supercharger takes a small fraction of the engine power, typically around 10 to 20 percent, to drive its compressor.
Once the air is compressed by the supercharger, it is delivered to the engine at a higher pressure and density than naturally aspirated engines. This results in a higher power output, allowing the engine to generate more horsepower.
The primary function of a supercharger is to improve the performance of an engine by increasing its power output. It does this by providing a greater amount of air to the engine, allowing more fuel to be burned, resulting in more power and torque.