How many volts is required for a tiny spark to be created?

  • Thread starter Thread starter ThePhysicsXV
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Spark Volts
AI Thread Summary
A tiny spark in electrostatics typically requires around 5,000 volts to be generated. The discussion highlights confusion between volts and watts, emphasizing that volts measure electric potential while watts measure the rate of energy. Participants clarify that the original question specifically asks for a voltage measurement, not power. Misinterpretations of the units and their meanings are addressed, reinforcing the distinction between the two. Understanding these concepts is crucial for accurately answering the question about the voltage needed for a spark.
ThePhysicsXV
Messages
35
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



How many volts is required for a tiny spark to be created in electrostatics?

Homework Equations



No equations

The Attempt at a Solution


5,000 watts
 
Physics news on Phys.org
ThePhysicsXV said:

Homework Statement



How many volts is required for a tiny spark to be created in electrostatics?

Homework Equations



No equations

The Attempt at a Solution


5,000 watts
Am I correct?
 
ThePhysicsXV said:
Am I correct?
It asks for a number of Volts. What entity is measured in Volts? What entity is measured in Watts?
How did you get your answer?
 
haruspex said:
It asks for a number of Volts. How did you get your answer?
Notes from the class
 
ThePhysicsXV said:
Notes from the class
Then you are misinterpreting them. Please see my edited post #3.
 
haruspex said:
Then you are misinterpreting them. Please see my edited post #3.
What post?
 
ThePhysicsXV said:
What post?
As I said, post #3 in the thread. I edited while you were replying to it the first time, so you may have missed the extra questions.
 
haruspex said:
As I said, post #3 in the thread. I edited while you were replying to it the first time, so you may have missed the extra questions.
Volts is measured in joules per Coulomb
 
ThePhysicsXV said:
Volts is measured in joules per Coulomb
No, Volts are measured in Volts. But that is not what I asked. What physical property do Volts measure? What physical property do Watts measure?
 
  • #10
Volts is the electric potential while Watts is rate of energy
 
  • #11
ThePhysicsXV said:
Volts is the electric potential while Watts is rate of energy
Right. So if it asks for a number of Volts then an answer in Watts cannot right, can it.
 

Similar threads

Replies
7
Views
6K
Replies
8
Views
7K
Replies
11
Views
14K
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
10
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
3
Views
4K
Replies
4
Views
3K
Back
Top