What function does the "stop switch" perform in an ignition system?

The correct function of the "stop switch" in an ignition system is to ground the ignition system, effectively stopping the engine. When the stop switch is activated, it creates a path for the electrical current within the ignition system to discharge to ground. This process interrupts the electricity that flows to the ignition coil, which is responsible for generating the spark needed to ignite the air-fuel mixture in the engine's cylinder. Without this spark, the engine cannot run, leading to a safe and immediate shutdown.

This makes the stop switch a crucial safety feature, as it allows the operator to easily shut down the engine in case of an emergency or when the engine is no longer needed. The other response options may imply different functions that do not align with the established role of the stop switch in an ignition system.