Cadet Competition Written Practice Exam

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Prepare for the Cadet Competition Written Exam. Test your knowledge with a variety of quiz questions that mimic the actual exam format. Strengthen your skills in key cadet topics and boost your confidence for the competition!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

To ignite the mixture of fuel and air in the airplane engine, a small bolt of lightning from a what drives the piston downward?

Generator
Battery
Spark plug
Igniter

The correct answer is: Spark plug

The correct choice is the spark plug, which plays a crucial role in the ignition process of an airplane engine. The spark plug generates a small bolt of lightning, or an electrical spark, that ignites the mixture of fuel and air in the engine's combustion chamber. When the mixture is compressed, this spark from the spark plug creates a rapid expansion of gas, driving the piston downward and ultimately causing the engine to produce power. In aviation systems, the spark plug is integral because it not only ensures reliable ignition but also operates efficiently under various conditions that may be encountered in flight. Unlike the other options, which serve different functions, the spark plug is specifically designed to create the ignition needed for combustion, making it essential for the operational effectiveness of the engine.