What voltage does the ignition system need to produce to ignite the air-fuel mixture?

The ignition system needs to produce high voltage to ignite the air-fuel mixture effectively. This is necessary because the spark plug requires sufficient voltage to create a spark that can jump the gap between its electrodes. The air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber is typically under high pressure, and the ignition system generates voltages often exceeding 12,000 volts, sometimes reaching upwards of 45,000 volts in more advanced systems.

This high voltage creates a strong enough spark to ignite the compressed air-fuel mixture, ensuring that the engine can run efficiently. A lower voltage would not provide the energy needed to overcome the resistance in the spark plug gap, leading to misfires or failure to start. Understanding the importance of high voltage in the ignition system helps in recognizing how combustion engines operate and the critical role of ignition in the overall engine performance.