How does a cigarette lighter work?

Answer 1

It depends on the type of lighter.

Butane lighters - When you spin the wheel, it hits the flint and creates sparks. Then as you push down the flat part (which is often red) it releases gas and the sparks from the flint ignite the gas thus making fire.

Reusable fluid lighters - These are metal lighters and contain wadding and/or a sponge which contains liquid lighter fluid, and a wick extends up to a wheel and flint. These work somewhat like a kerosene lantern. The flint and wheel lights the fuel-soaked wick. Folding the lid shut smothers out the fire. These are ideal for lighting pipes and cigars since you don't have to hold down any lever.

Electric lighters - These are found in cars and were once used in buildings. A special wire creates electrical resistance and heat as electricity passes through it. It doesn't create an open flame, but does get just hot enough to light a cigarette. In a car, the lighter is spring loaded, and there is metal designed to stick to hold the lighter in the socket to make contact. Then as it becomes hot enough to use, the metal gives and the spring makes it pop out, alerting you to the fact it is ready to use. Car lighters can be used for both cigarettes and cigars. Wall lighters use a heating element like in the car lighters, but those work by sticking a cigarette through a hole and holding a button until it is lit. Some would colloquially call it "kissing the wall."