Which part of a turbocharger do exhaust gases travel through?

In a turbocharger, exhaust gases flow through the turbine. This component is designed to harness the energy from the exhaust gases produced by the engine's combustion process. When the exhaust gases enter the turbine, they cause the turbine blades to spin, which in turn drives the compressor on the other side of the turbocharger. The result is an increase in the amount of air forced into the engine’s intake, allowing for better combustion and increased power output.

Understanding this process is crucial, as it illustrates the key function of a turbocharger in enhancing engine efficiency and performance. The compressor is responsible for pushing air into the combustion chamber, while the heat exchanger and intercooler have different roles in managing air temperature and pressure, not directly involving the flow of exhaust gases. Therefore, recognizing the turbine as the correct component for exhaust gas flow is essential in grasping the overall operation of turbocharging systems.