- #1
mike963
- 4
- 0
ok, so I've got an arc between two electrodes. What is the direction of the electrical field if there is an electrical field?
Which direction does the electrical field point in an electrical arc?
- Thread starter mike963
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Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the direction of the electric field in an electrical arc formed between two electrodes. Participants explore theoretical aspects of electric fields, the behavior of electrons, and the implications of plasma formation in the context of arcs.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested, Homework-related
Main Points Raised
- One participant suggests that the electric field direction is likely away from the arc, considering the movement of electrons through air, but acknowledges the complexity due to plasma formation.
- Another participant states that electrons in an arc follow the direction of the electric field, which is positioned between the two electrodes.
- A question is raised about whether the arc itself generates an electric field, leading to a response that indicates a magnetic field is produced in a circular pattern around the arc, similar to current in a wire.
- A participant expresses hope that the understanding provided by another participant is correct for their specific context.
- There is a reference to the concept of surface charge density in a current-carrying wire, which may generate an electric field away from the wire's center, linking it to the discussion of high-voltage power lines and their electric fields.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on the direction of the electric field and the implications of the arc's behavior, indicating that multiple competing perspectives remain without a clear consensus.
Contextual Notes
Some assumptions about the behavior of electric fields and plasma are not fully explored, and there are unresolved connections to electromagnetic theory that may influence the discussion.
- #2
dvchench
- 17
- 0
it's probably more appropriate to put this in the homework sections. ( since this problem seems purely theoretical and i don't see how you could be dealing with this in real life)
i don't really know, but my guess it away from the arc, since it may be a bunch of electrons moving through air. however, it's probably not so simple since the air turns into plasma.
i don't really know, but my guess it away from the arc, since it may be a bunch of electrons moving through air. however, it's probably not so simple since the air turns into plasma.
- #3
vk6kro
Science Advisor
- 4,079
- 41
Electrons in an arc follow the direction of an electric field.
The electric field is between the two electrodes.
The electric field is between the two electrodes.
- #4
dvchench
- 17
- 0
vk6kro said:
just out of curiosity, would the arc itself generate a field?
- #5
vk6kro
Science Advisor
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Yes, but a magnetic field in the form of a circular pattern concentric with the arc. This is no different to a current flowing in a wire.
- #6
mike963
- 4
- 0
that was my guess, dvchench, but for what I'm doing i hope vk6kro is right.
- #7
mike963
- 4
- 0
thanks dvchench, that pretty much confirms what i thought.
- #8
mike963
- 4
- 0
...and vk6kro
- #9
dvchench
- 17
- 0
doesn't a wire with current flowing through it have a surface charge density along its circumference that generates an e-field away from the center of the wire? can't quite remember that part of EM1 that well... I know that was the basis of most of our image theory problems -- a high-voltage, high-current "power line" above the earth-ground plane generating an E-field.
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