Indicated power comparison — multi-cylinder vs single-cylinder engines Evaluate the statement: “The indicated power of a multi-cylinder engine will be the same as that of a single-cylinder engine.” Is this statement true under general conditions?

Introduction / Context:
Indicated power is the gross power developed inside the cylinders from pressure-volume work before mechanical losses. It depends on displacement, mean effective pressure, speed, and the number of working units. The architecture of the engine strongly influences the indicated power for a given total displacement and speed.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Comparing engines not constrained to be identical in cylinder count or configuration.
• Operating at the same speed and similar mean effective pressure is not guaranteed.
• Mechanical layout can change gas exchange and combustion quality.

Concept / Approach:
A multi-cylinder engine can have smoother torque delivery and better breathing, often allowing higher mean effective pressure and speed at similar displacement, which changes indicated power. Even at the same total displacement and speed, distribution of cylinders affects combustion quality and volumetric efficiency, so indicated power need not be identical to that of a single-cylinder engine.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Recall formula: IP = pmi * L * A * n * N, where pmi is indicated mean effective pressure, and the stroke-bore-geometry factors scale with cylinder count.Recognize that pmi and achievable N are influenced by cylinder sizing and balance.Therefore, the statement claiming equality without conditions is generally false.

Verification / Alternative check:
Engine families offered in different cylinder counts at the same displacement show different rated outputs because breathing and friction characteristics differ, confirming that indicated power is not inherently the same.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Choosing true would ignore the influence of cylinder count on pmi, speed capability, and combustion stability.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing indicated power with total displacement alone; performance arises from multiple interacting parameters including timing, intake, and the number of cylinders.

Final Answer:
False