A gas lighter is a handy device used to ignite a gas stove burner. It comes in handy for gas stoves that lack automatic ignition systems. Let me explain how it works:

1. Principle: Gas lighters utilize the piezo-electric effect to generate an electric spark that ignites the combustible gas from the stove’s burner. Here’s a brief overview of how it works:

   • When pressure is applied along one axis of a piezo-electric crystal (such as tourmaline or quartz), a potential difference develops across the transverse axis of the crystal.
   • The hammer and spring setup in the gas lighter is attached to a button. When you press this button, the hammer moves away from the piezo-electric crystal.
   • Upon reaching a certain limit, the spring releases the hammer, which strikes the piezo-electric crystal.
   • Due to the piezo-electric effect, a high voltage (around 800 volts) is generated.
   • The lighter is wired so that this voltage is applied in a small air gap between two metallic points.
   • The high voltage ionizes the air, creating a path for discharge—a spark.
   • When this spark encounters the combustible gas from the stove, it ignites, producing a flame.

2. Components: The gas lighter is typically cylindrical in shape and consists of:

   • A piezo-electric crystal.
   • A spring-loaded hammer.
   • A button for activation.

3. Materials: In gas lighters, piezo-electric ceramics like lead zirconate titanate (PZT) are commonly used due to their low cost and high sensitivity.