Piston–crank mechanism — what does the connecting rod connect? In a reciprocating internal-combustion engine, the connecting rod links the piston to which rotating component?

Introduction / Context:
The slider–crank mechanism converts reciprocating motion to rotary motion. The connecting rod is the key link transferring force from the piston to the rotating shaft.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Piston with wrist (gudgeon) pin at the small end of the connecting rod.
• Crankshaft journal at the big end of the connecting rod.
• Four-stroke or two-stroke reciprocating engine.

Concept / Approach:
Combustion pressure acts on the piston crown creating force along the piston axis. The connecting rod transmits this to the crankshaft, which converts it into torque about the main bearings. The camshaft is gear/belt/chain driven by the crankshaft, not directly by the rod.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify small-end connection: piston pin.Identify big-end connection: crank pin (journal) on the crankshaft.Hence, the rod connects the piston to the crankshaft.

Verification / Alternative check:
Exploded views of engines show the big-end bearings around the crank pins; camshafts receive motion via timing drives, not rods.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Cylinder head/block: stationary structural components.
• Camshaft: drives valves; it is not the torque-accepting element from the piston.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing crankshaft and camshaft roles; remember the crankshaft delivers output torque.

Final Answer:
crankshaft