Given the question: Process:  - Fuel mixes with air - Mix gets inducted into cylinder - Piston compresses the mix - Spark plug emits a spark that ignites it causing combustion - Combustion gases expand - Pushes piston during power stroke - Exhaust valve opens to vent exhaust out tail pipe.  Perturbation hypothesis: suppose the piston is stuck in down position happens, how will it affect the piston will not be pushed during the power stroke.  Does the supposed perturbation have an effect (direct or indirect) on the process?
The answer is:
yes