How does the camshaft operate in relation to the crankshaft?

The camshaft operates at half the speed of the crankshaft due to the relationship and configuration between these two components in a typical four-stroke internal combustion engine. The crankshaft is responsible for converting the linear motion of the pistons into rotational motion. For every two rotations of the crankshaft, the camshaft completes one full rotation.

This is because the camshaft controls the timing of the opening and closing of the engine's intake and exhaust valves, which is critical for the engine's operation. In a four-stroke cycle, there are two distinct phases (intake and compression) for every rotation of the crankshaft, causing the necessity for the camshaft to operate at half the speed.

By maintaining this relationship, the camshaft correctly synchronizes the valve movements with the pistons' positions during their strokes, ensuring efficient engine performance. This speed differential is fundamental to the engine's cycle, allowing it to operate smoothly and effectively.