How is a supercharger driven?

• A. The supercharger is externally driven from the exhaust system.
• B. The supercharger is driven by air intake flow.
• C. The supercharger is driven by the fuel pump.
• D. The supercharger is directly driven from the engine and is internal to the engine.

Answer: (D)

A supercharger is a mechanically driven compressor that uses the engine’s own power to force more air into the cylinders, boosting intake air pressure and improving power. It is mounted on the engine and is driven directly from the crankshaft via a belt, chain, or gears, so it remains inside the engine assembly. This direct, engine-driven setup distinguishes it from other systems and is why it’s described as internal to the engine.

This differs from a turbocharger, which uses energy from exhaust gas rather than a direct engine drive. It also can’t be driven by the air it compresses or by the fuel pump, since those sources serve different parts of the propulsion system.