What is the function of a special starting battery in an impulse starter system?

In an impulse starter system, the primary function of a special starting battery is to provide a sudden impulse of electricity to the plugs. This impulse is crucial for initiating the combustion process in the engine. When the starter engages, it needs a burst of power to create a spark at the spark plugs, which ignites the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. The design of the impulse starter allows for a momentary but high-energy output from the battery, ensuring that the engine can start effectively, especially under conditions where higher energy levels are necessary to overcome initial resistance in the combustion cycle.

The other options do not accurately describe the specific role of a special starting battery in this context. Providing continuous electricity to the engine is not relevant to the starting process, as the regular operation of the engine relies on the main power supply. Decreasing the power needed to start the engine or increasing the temperature of the fuel also mischaracterizes the purpose of the starting battery. The key element in the correct choice highlights the requirement for a quick, effective boost in power tailored for starting the engine.