Which of the following best describes the function of the ignition coil in relation to voltage?

The ignition coil's primary function is to step up voltage from the battery level (typically 12 volts) to the much higher voltage needed to create a spark at the spark plug, which can be in the range of 15,000 to 45,000 volts or more, depending on the engine design. This high voltage is necessary to overcome the gap in the spark plug and ignite the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber.

This is accomplished through the coil's design, which involves a primary winding (with a relatively low number of turns) and a secondary winding (with a much higher number of turns). When current flows through the primary winding, it creates a magnetic field that induces a voltage in the secondary winding, thus amplifying the voltage significantly. Understanding this function emphasizes the importance of the ignition coil in ensuring the engine runs efficiently and effectively.