Final answer:
In a staggered ignition timing, the spark plug nearest the exhaust valve will fire first before the spark plug nearest the intake valve.
Step-by-step explanation:
When staggered ignition timing is used in an internal combustion engine, the spark plug nearest the exhaust valve will fire before the spark plug nearest the intake valve.
This timing helps in achieving uniform combustion and better engine performance by ensuring that the fuel-air mixture is ignited at the right moment in each cylinder.
For example, in a four-cylinder engine with staggered ignition timing, if cylinder 1 has the spark plug closest to the exhaust valve, the spark plug in cylinder 2 will fire next, followed by cylinders 3 and 4.