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

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    Arc Electrical
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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the nature of electrical arcs, specifically what is visually perceived during an arc event. Participants explore whether the visible characteristics of the arc represent the electricity itself or the interaction of electricity with the surrounding environment, particularly air.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether the visible arc is the electricity itself or a result of its interaction with air.
  • Another participant asserts that the visible arc is due to ionized gases in the air radiating electromagnetic energy.
  • A different participant claims that electricity itself cannot be seen, suggesting that what is seen is a result of electricity's effects.
  • One participant simply states "photons," implying that the light emitted during the arc is due to photon emission.
  • Another participant expresses excitement about a linked video of an electrical arc.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present differing views on the nature of what is seen during an electrical arc, indicating that multiple competing interpretations exist without a consensus.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the underlying assumptions about visibility and the nature of electricity, nor does it clarify the definitions of terms like "electricity" and "ionized gases." There are also unresolved aspects regarding the specific mechanisms of light emission in arcs.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in electrical phenomena, optics, and the physics of ionization may find this discussion relevant.

leftyguitarjo
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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?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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
 
Last edited by a moderator:
You cannot "see" electricity because that's what facilitates the whole "seeing" thing. As said you're looking at its result.
 
photons
 
turbo-1 said:
Try this one!

WOW! That was spectacular! :biggrin:
 

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