Difference between compression ignition engine and a spark ignition engine

The cycle of compression in both the engines are different in the thermodynamic terms. The spark ignition engine is a gasoline or petrol engine which is based on the otto cycle. It uses a spark generated by the electric supply from the battery to ignite the petrol fuel to generate the power. Whilst, the compression ignition engine, also known as a diesel engine is based on a diesel thermodynamic cycle and ignites the fuel in the cylinder using the compression of the fuel from pistons. This is the main reason that the capacity of the diesel engine is more than a petrol engine.

WM
Answered by Wajih M. Physics tutor

6602 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

A projectile is launched from ground level with a speed of 25 m/s at an angle of 42° to the horizontal. What is the horizontal distance from the starting point of the projectile when it hits the ground?


Why does a small puddle of water evaporate at room temperature, even though the temperature is way below the boiling point of water?


An aeroplane lands on the runway with a velocity of 50 m/s and decelerates at 10 m/s^2 to a velocity of 20 m/s. Calculate the distance travelled on the runway.


Show that a pendulum undergoes simple harmonic motion (SHM). State your assumptions. The pendulum is made up of a light inextensible string, attached to a ceiling at one end and with a particle of mass m attached to the other end.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning