What role does the flywheel play in an internal combustion engine?

The flywheel plays a crucial role in maintaining engine speed by storing rotational energy and providing a steady output of power. As the engine operates, the flywheel's mass helps to smooth out fluctuations in the power delivery caused by the engine's power strokes. When the engine produces power, the flywheel absorbs some of that energy, and when the power strokes are less frequent, such as during the interval between engine cycles, the flywheel releases that stored energy to keep the engine running smoothly. This function is vital in ensuring that the engine runs efficiently and maintains a consistent speed, particularly under varying loads and speeds.

Other options describe functions that are not performed by the flywheel. While cooling is an important aspect of engine design, it is primarily managed by the cooling system, including the radiator and coolant. Filtering impurities from the fuel is the job of the fuel filter, which ensures that only clean fuel reaches the combustion chamber. Generating electrical power is typically the responsibility of the alternator. Therefore, the flywheel's specific role in maintaining engine speed distinguishes it from these other functions.