Answer :
Final answer:
Cam followers (C) are the correct answer as they directly translate the camshaft's rotational motion into linear motion to operate the engine's valves, essential for controlling the flow of air and fuel into the engine's cylinders.
Explanation:
The camshaft is designed in such a way that it rotates and interacts with cam followers. These followers move in response to the camshaft's rotation, with their motion directly influenced by the shape of the cam lobes. This movement is then transmitted to the valves, either directly or through additional mechanisms like pushrods and rocker arms, depending on the engine design.
The primary role of cam followers is to translate the camshaft's rotational motion into linear motion that can operate the valves to control the flow of air and fuel into the engine's cylinders, as well as the expulsion of exhaust gases.
It's essential to understand that while valve springs, lifters, and rocker arms play critical roles in the valve train of an engine, they assist in the functioning or complement the action started by the cam followers. Valve springs, for instance, are used to return the valves to their closed position after they have been opened. Therefore, the cam followers are the primary components that directly interact with the camshaft to actuate the valves.
