When I see an electrical arc ,what am I really seeing?

[leftyguitarjo]

When an electrical arc occurs, is the blue/white/purple arc the electricity itself, or is it a result of the electricity interacting with something in the air?

[turbo]

You are seeing ionized gases in the air radiating EM energy. Try this one!

500 kV Eldorado substation near Boulder City, Nevada
http://www.arcfault.org/video.htm

[dst]

You cannot "see" electricity because that's what facilitates the whole "seeing" thing. As said you're looking at its result.

[nuby]

photons

[Daiquiri]

Try this one!

WOW!!! That was spectacular! :biggrin: