Is There Platinum in Spark Plugs?

[William]

Spark plugs come in different materials, and platinum spark plugs do indeed contain platinum. Types of Spark Plugs: The main types of spark plugs include: standard spark plugs, projected insulator spark plugs, electrode spark plugs, seat spark plugs, surface gap spark plugs, and surface discharge spark plugs. How Spark Plugs Work: Under high voltage, the air between the center electrode and the side electrode of a spark plug rapidly ionizes, forming positively charged ions and negatively charged free electrons. When the voltage between the electrodes reaches a certain level, the number of ions and electrons in the gas increases like an avalanche, causing the air to lose its insulating properties and forming a discharge channel, resulting in a "breakdown" phenomenon. At this point, the gas forms a luminous body, known as a "spark." Along with the heat and expansion, a "crackling" sound is also produced. The temperature of this electric spark can reach as high as 2000-3000°C, which is sufficient to ignite the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber of the cylinder.