In a gasoline engine, which step follows the compression of the fuel/air mixture?

In a gasoline engine, after the compression of the fuel/air mixture, the next step is the ignition and combustion of the charge. During compression, the mixture is forced into a smaller volume, which increases its temperature and pressure. This high-pressure environment creates the ideal conditions for ignition.

Once the spark plug fires, it ignites the compressed fuel/air mixture, leading to combustion. This combustion produces a rapid expansion of gases, resulting in an increase in temperature and pressure within the cylinder. This rapid release of energy is what generates the power needed to move the engine's pistons and ultimately propel the vehicle.

Other steps in the engine cycle, like the intake of fuel and air, occur before the compression phase, while the removal of waste typically follows the expansion phase after combustion, making them not the correct steps that follow compression.