What is the role of an ignition coil?

The ignition coil plays a crucial role in an internal combustion engine by transforming the low voltage from the vehicle's battery into a much higher voltage that is necessary for the spark plugs to create a spark. This high voltage is essential for igniting the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. When the ignition coil receives an electrical signal, it generates a magnetic field, and when that field collapses, it induces a high voltage in the coil's secondary winding. This high voltage is then routed to the spark plugs, which ignite the air-fuel mixture, enabling the engine to run.

Understanding the function of the ignition coil is critical, as it directly affects the engine's ability to start and operate smoothly. Without the ignition coil effectively converting and supplying the necessary voltage, the spark plugs would not generate the spark needed for combustion, leading to engine performance issues or failure to start.

The other options highlight different functions that are not related to the ignition coil. For instance, igniting the air-fuel mixture is a function performed by the spark plugs themselves. Supplying fuel is the responsibility of the fuel system components, including the fuel pump and fuel injectors. Cooling engine components is managed by the cooling system, which includes components such as the radiator,