What is the name of the compound in ammunition that ignites the gunpowder?

The correct answer is the primer, which is a crucial component of ammunition. The primer contains a sensitive explosive compound that, when struck by the firing pin of a firearm, produces a small explosion. This explosion ignites the gunpowder or propellant contained within the cartridge, thereby causing the bullet to be propelled out of the gun barrel.

Understanding the function of each component in ammunition is essential for safe handling and operation. The primer acts as the initiator of the entire firing process, making it vital for the proper functioning of the cartridge. In contrast, while options like propellant and powder charge refer to the material that burns and propels the bullet, they are not responsible for the ignition process itself. On the other hand, the term ignition compound might describe elements that ignite other materials, but it does not specifically refer to the component found in ammunition responsible for igniting gunpowder.