On this day in 1826, inventor Samuel Morey patented the internal combustion engine. The internal combustion engine burns fuel ~ gasoline or diesel ~ internally to produce power. Steam engines, on the other hand, burn their fuel ~ oil or coal ~ outside the engine.

Just Like Today Only Simpler. Morey's patent was a simpler version of the combustion engines used in cars and trucks today.

Internal Combustion. A Science Moment. When a fuel is burned in air, the resulting gas expands. This creates a force that can move a piston in a cylinder, like in an automobile engine. Or the force can turn the blades of a turbine. Because the combustion happens within the engine, it is called an internal-combustion engine.

Internal Combustion. What Is It Good For? Modern transportation. Planes, most cars, ships, and locomotives are powered by internal combustion engines. Internal combustion engines can also be used to power chain saws, compressors, lawn mowers, and other power tools.

Two Types. Different Uses. The most common internal combustion engines are the gasoline engine and the diesel engine. Gasoline internal combustion engines are used in cars. Diesel engines burn a heavier fuel and are used in larger vehicles, such as ships, trains, trucks, and buses, though they can be used in cars as well.

New Recipes. Gasoline and diesel fuel aren't the only fuels that can be used in internal combustion engines. Almost any liquid or gaseous fuel can be used: gasohol (a gasoline/alcohol mix), alcohol, methane gas, and compressed coal gas.