What device is responsible for creating a spark to ignite the air-fuel mixture?

The spark plug plays a crucial role in igniting the air-fuel mixture within an internal combustion engine. It generates a high-voltage spark that bridges the gap between its electrodes, creating the ignition needed to combust the air-fuel mixture. This process is essential for the engine to produce power, as it initiates the combustion event within the combustion chamber. The design of the spark plug ensures that it operates under high temperatures and pressures while maintaining a reliable spark, contributing to the engine's overall performance and efficiency.

In contrast, the fuel injector and carburetor are responsible for delivering the correct amount of fuel to the engine but do not create a spark; they manage fuel flow and mixture preparation. The ignition coil is an essential component that generates the high voltage required for the spark plug to function, but it does not directly create the spark itself. Therefore, the spark plug is the correct answer as the specific device tasked with igniting the air-fuel mixture.