The y-intercept of any function is the value of $y$ when $x = 0$. Let's verify this for the exponential function $y = 6^x$:

1. Substitute $x = 0$ into the function: $y = 6^x = 6^0$

2. Using the property of exponents $a^0 = 1$ (where $a \neq 0$): $y = 1$

Thus, the y-intercept of $y = 6^x$ is indeed $1$.

Would you like more details or have any questions?

Here are 5 related questions to explore further:

1. What is the slope of the tangent line to $y = 6^x$ at $x = 0$?
2. How does the base of the exponential function affect its y-intercept?
3. What are the asymptotes of the function $y = 6^x$?
4. How does the graph of $y = 6^x$ compare to $y = 2^x$?
5. If the function were $y = 6^{x+c}$, how would the y-intercept change?

Tip: The base of an exponential function always determines how steeply the graph grows or decays as $x$ increases or decreases.