In the compression stage of the Otto cycle, what is the state of the valves?

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Multiple Choice

In the compression stage of the Otto cycle, what is the state of the valves?

Explanation:
During the compression stroke, the piston is closing in on the trapped air-fuel charge and you want to build pressure without letting it leak out. Both the intake and exhaust valves must be shut so nothing can escape through either path. This sealing lets the charge be compressed effectively until ignition. In real engines there can be a brief valve overlap near top dead center, but in the ideal Otto cycle that overlap is neglected, so the assumption is that both valves are closed during compression.

During the compression stroke, the piston is closing in on the trapped air-fuel charge and you want to build pressure without letting it leak out. Both the intake and exhaust valves must be shut so nothing can escape through either path. This sealing lets the charge be compressed effectively until ignition. In real engines there can be a brief valve overlap near top dead center, but in the ideal Otto cycle that overlap is neglected, so the assumption is that both valves are closed during compression.

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