Science Common Sense

434 - How do camshafts operate in engines?

Imagine a engine has lots of doors (valves) that open and close to let air and gas in, and exhaust out. A camshaft is like a key that helps open and close these doors.

The camshaft is a long rod with bumps (called cams) on it. It rotates (turns around) when the engine runs. As it rotates, the bumps on the camshaft press on tiny levers called lifters, which then push the valves open and closed.

Here's how it works:

1. The camshaft rotates and a cam (bump) reaches a valve lifter.
2. The cam pushes the lifter, which opens the valve.
3. When the cam moves away from the lifter, a spring closes the valve.
4. The camshaft keeps rotating, opening and closing valves in the right order, allowing the engine to run smoothly.

This process is what helps the engine breathe (let air in and exhaust out) so it can move your car.