What effect does a total electrical failure have on the magnetos?

The correct assessment is that a total electrical failure will not affect the magnetos at all. Magnetos are independent systems that generate their own electrical power for the ignition of the engine. They operate through the mechanical rotation of the engine, converting that motion into electrical energy without relying on the aircraft's electrical system. Therefore, even in the event of a total electrical failure, the magnetos continue to produce the necessary spark to ignite the fuel-air mixture in the engine cylinders, allowing the engine to keep running.

This characteristic of magnetos is crucial to ensure engine reliability, especially in situations where the primary electrical system may fail. Understanding this operational independence is vital for pilots, as it affects how they manage engine performance during abnormal situations.