Gas Molecules in an Electric Arc

AI Thread Summary
In an electric arc, gas molecules undergo significant transformations. Oxygen is converted to ozone, while methane can transform into acetylene and hydrogen under extreme plasma conditions. Most methane ultimately converts to carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O), with the potential for nitrogen oxides (NOx) formation due to combustion. The discussion highlights the complexities of gas interactions in an electric arc, particularly in an atmosphere with varying gas compositions, such as the presence of oxygen. The practical application of using a propane torch with a 2000v arc is mentioned as a method to ignite fuel without matches, emphasizing the efficiency of electric arcs in gas combustion.
JGM_14
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What exactly happens to the gas molecules in an electric arc? Oxygen turns to ozone, methane turns to acetelyene.
 
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I imagine quite few of them burn.
So most methane probably ends up as CO2 + H2O, you can convert methane to acetelyene + hydrogen but I think you need pretty extreme plasma conditions.
You probably make quite a lot of NOx as well
 
mgb_phys said:
I imagine quite few of them burn.
So most methane probably ends up as CO2 + H2O, you can convert methane to acetelyene + hydrogen but I think you need pretty extreme plasma conditions.
You probably make quite a lot of NOx as well

I mean like in an atmosphere comprised soley of that gas.:rolleyes:
I light propane torch most of the time with a 2000v arc, saves on matches.
 
JGM_14 said:
I mean like in an atmosphere comprised soley of that gas.:rolleyes:

vs your original post...

What exactly happens to the gas molecules in an electric arc? Oxygen turns to ozone, methane turns to acetelyene.

Is oxygen in your 'atmosphere comprised soley of that gas.:rolleyes:'?
 
Only 21%:rolleyes:
 

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