An electric arc is an electrical breakdown of a gas which produces an ongoing plasma discharge, resulting from a current through normally nonconductive media such as air. A synonym is arc discharge. An arc discharge is characterized by a lower voltage than a glow discharge, and relies on thermionic emission of electrons from the electrodes supporting the arc. An archaic term is voltaic arc, as used in the phrase "voltaic arc lamp".
Read more about Electric Arc: History, Overview, Uses, Undesired Arcing, Arc Suppression
Famous quotes containing the words electric and/or arc:
“Wisdom is like electricity. There is no permanently wise man, but men capable of wisdom, who, being put into certain company, or other favorable conditions, become wise for a short time, as glasses rubbed acquire electric power for a while.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)
“If I am not, may God put me there; and if I am, may God so keep me.”
—Joan Of Arc (c.1412–1431)