what exactly does the condenser do?

Got me thinking... what exactly does the condenser contribute to the ignition... help control arcing across the points? Or something else?
sorry for the long post... thanks

Soundguy

The condenser is connected to the primary winding . Once the current stops, the magnetic field falls back into the primary winding to stabilize the current within the winding. The faster the current in the primary winding dissipates through the condenser, the faster the magnetic field will collapse. The rapid movement of the magnetic field increases the induction within the secondary winding and the current, being pushed by a high voltage of up to 50kV, will look for a pathway or circuit.
I think Dell has the best answer at least its simple enoufh fer me to understand

• Link

Without a condenser, that 0.015" points gap will burn-out. When you really OPEN a switch (and points are a special switch) there is little/NO spark strong enuff to jump a WIDE-GAPP, but that itty-bitty 0.015 points gap ain't wide enuff, so the electrons will JUMP the gap unless they are absorbed by the condenser.

NOTE: condensers are 2-metal foil conductors seperated by an insulative film. When the points close, the points actually short-out the 2-foils and DISCHARGE the condenser so there is a place ready the next time to absorb the extra electrons when the points OPEN. I went to college 4-yrs to learn that simplistic explanation..... ...Dell

The condenser prevents points from burning out in a very short time.