Suppose the spark plug on a heat engine is not functioning properly. Which statement best explains how this will affect the engine?

A. The temperature of the gas will not increase during the compression stage.
B. Burned gases will not be released into the surrounding air.
C. The fuel-air mixture will not be able to enter the cylinder.
D. Combustion and subsequent gas expansion will not occur.

When a spark plug malfunctions in a heat engine, it disrupts combustion and gas expansion. High compression ratios in an Otto-cycle engine can lead to premature ignition.

Explanation:

When the spark plug on a heat engine is not functioning properly, it impairs the ignition process, leading to combustion and subsequent gas expansion not occurring as intended. In an Otto-cycle engine, high compression ratios can cause the gas mixture to ignite prematurely, resulting in undesirable effects like pinging.

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