In the main module of the Particle System component, what does the Start Lifetime property determine?

The Start Lifetime property in the main module of the Particle System component is crucial for controlling how long each individual particle lasts before it disappears. When you set the Start Lifetime, you specify the duration from the moment a particle is spawned until it fades out of existence. This property is essential for defining the visual effects of particles in your game, such as how long smoke, fire, or sparkles remain visible on the screen.

By adjusting the Start Lifetime, you can create various effects; for example, longer lifetimes can simulate larger explosions that take time to dissipate, while shorter lifetimes can create rapid effects like sparks that quickly vanish. This aspect profoundly influences how players perceive and interact with particle effects in the game environment.