Final answer:
The statement is true; as the spark plug center electrode wears, the voltage needed to create a spark increases due to the widening gap and the less conductive air-fuel mixture.
Step-by-step explanation:
True. As the spark plug center electrode wears down, the distance between the center electrode and the side electrode increases, which in turn requires a higher voltage to bridge the gap and create a spark. A worn electrode also means that the spark may have to travel through more of the air-fuel mixture, which can be less conductive than a shorter gap, further increasing the voltage requirement. Maintaining the correct spark plug gap is critical for engine performance and efficiency.