What is the purpose of supercharging in an engine?

Supercharging is a process designed to enhance an engine's performance by forcing more air into the combustion chamber. When more air is compressed and entered into the chamber, it allows for a corresponding increase in fuel to be added. This leads to a more powerful combustion reaction. The key advantage is that by increasing the amount of air available for combustion, the engine can produce greater power output without increasing its size.

While improving fuel efficiency, reducing emissions, and cooling the engine can be benefits of different engine technologies, they are not the primary purpose of supercharging. Supercharging specifically focuses on enhancing air intake, which directly correlates with augmenting the engine's performance capabilities. This results in a significant boost in horsepower, making it vital for applications where power and responsiveness are crucial.