What Causes Sparks Between Charged Metal Plates in a Pendulum Experiment?

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The discussion centers on the phenomenon of sparks generated between charged metal plates in a pendulum experiment involving zinc plates and an aluminum foil-coated pendulum. Sparks occur when the electric field strength between the plates exceeds the breakdown voltage of air, allowing charges to move from the plates to the aluminum foil. This process effectively ionizes the air, creating a conductive plasma that facilitates the discharge, similar to a miniature lightning effect.

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  • Basic principles of pendulum motion and mechanics
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I saw the following expt:

Two metal plates of zinc, one charged + the other charged - with a pendulum coated in Aluminium foil between the plates. When the plates were too close, sparks arose between the pendulum and the plates.

Is this due to the escape of charges. If not, then what are the sparks due to
 
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The sparks would be the charges moving from the plates to the aluminum foil. Air is a good insulator of charges, usually charges cannot flow in air; however, if you have a high enough voltage you can produce these discharges (in essence turning the air around the moving charges into plasma, which DOES conduct electricity). This is basically lightning (in minuscule form).
 
Matterwave said:
in essence turning the air around the moving charges into plasma, which DOES conduct electricity)

are you saying that the air disperses
 

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