Through which part of a turbocharger do exhaust gases flow?

The correct choice highlights the function of the turbine within a turbocharger system. In a turbocharger, exhaust gases from the engine exit through the exhaust manifold and enter the turbine side of the turbocharger. The turbine harnesses the energy from these high-speed exhaust gases to spin the turbine wheel. This, in turn, drives the connected compressor wheel on the opposite side, which compresses intake air before it enters the engine's combustion chamber.

Understanding the role of each component in a turbocharger system is crucial. The compressor is responsible for drawing in air and compressing it, but it does not handle the exhaust gases. The intercooler cools the compressed air from the compressor, enhancing its density for better engine performance but also does not process exhaust gases. The wastegate is a valve that regulates the flow of exhaust gases to the turbine, controlling the turbocharger's speed and preventing overboost, yet it does not directly manage the primary flow of exhaust through the turbocharger itself.

Thus, the turbine is the essential part of the turbocharger through which the exhaust gases flow, enabling the conversion of exhaust energy into useful pressure to increase engine power.