How does a flintlock firearm ignite the gunpowder?

A flintlock firearm ignites gunpowder through a mechanism where a piece of flint is struck against steel to produce a spark. This method dates back to the 17th century and involves a spring-loaded hammer that holds the flint. When the trigger is pulled, the hammer releases, causing the flint to strike a steel plate. The friction created by the impact generates a spark that ignites the gunpowder in the pan, leading to the firing of the projectile from the barrel.

This traditional ignition system is distinct and differs significantly from modern firearms, which typically use a firing pin or other mechanisms to strike a primer. The use of a match isn’t applicable in this context since matches are not part of the flintlock ignition system. Likewise, the concept of creating friction by turning a wheel is more relevant to other types of ignition mechanisms, such as those found in wheel-lock firearms, rather than flintlocks.