What is the purpose of the camshaft in an engine?

The purpose of the camshaft in an engine is to control the timing of the opening and closing of the engine's valves. This function is critical for an engine's operation, as the camshaft is intricately designed to sync the valve movement with the piston position within the combustion chamber.

As the camshaft rotates, specially shaped lobes on the cam push against the valve lifters or followers, which in turn open the engine's intake and exhaust valves at precise intervals. This timing is essential for maintaining proper airflow and exhaust flow in the engine, which directly affects performance, efficiency, and emissions. If the valves did not open and close at the correct times, the engine would not function effectively, leading to poor performance or even engine failure.

In contrast, the other choices describe functions that are not performed by the camshaft. The camshaft is not involved in controlling fuel injection, managing the cooling system, or powering the electrical system, all of which are managed by different components within the engine’s architecture. Understanding the camshaft's role helps to grasp how an engine achieves its operational cycle, highlighting its importance in engine design and performance.