Gas Molecules in an Electric Arc

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the behavior of gas molecules in an electric arc, specifically focusing on the transformations of gases like oxygen and methane under such conditions. Participants explore the chemical reactions and products formed during the process, including the formation of ozone and acetylene.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant states that oxygen can turn into ozone and methane can convert to acetylene in an electric arc.
  • Another participant suggests that a significant amount of methane likely burns to form CO2 and H2O, while noting that extreme plasma conditions may be necessary for the conversion to acetylene and hydrogen.
  • A participant mentions the potential production of NOx compounds during the process.
  • There is a clarification regarding the atmosphere in which these reactions occur, questioning whether oxygen is present in a hypothetical atmosphere composed solely of methane.
  • One participant humorously points out that oxygen constitutes only 21% of the atmosphere, implying a need for clarification on the conditions discussed.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the specific outcomes of gas transformations in an electric arc, with no consensus reached on the exact processes or conditions required for these reactions.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not fully explore the assumptions regarding the conditions of the electric arc or the specific atmospheric compositions being discussed, leaving some aspects unresolved.

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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