Fuel oil discharged into the diesel engine cylinder is atomized at the ______.

The atomization of fuel oil in a diesel engine occurs at the injector nozzle tip. This process is crucial for the efficient combustion of the fuel within the engine cylinder. When the fuel is injected through the nozzle, it is broken into fine droplets, which enhances the mixing of fuel and air, leading to better combustion efficiency and performance.

The design of the injector nozzle is specifically intended to achieve optimal atomization. The geometry and pressure at which the fuel is injected help create a spray pattern that maximizes the surface area of the fuel for mixing with air. This allows for a more uniform combustion process, ensuring that the engine runs smoothly and efficiently.

In contrast, other components such as the turbocharger and fuel oil pump perform different functions within the engine system. The turbocharger is responsible for increasing the engine's air intake, while the fuel oil pump moves fuel to the injectors. The carburetor, which is found in gasoline engines, is not applicable in diesel engines since they use direct fuel injection instead of a vaporized fuel-air mix.