electric arc
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An electric arc is a continuous spark of electricity that jumps through the air or another gas when the electrical force becomes strong enough to break down the gas's resistance. It matters because it's the basis for important technologies like welding and lighting, though it can also be a dangerous hazard in electrical systems.
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An electric arc between two nails
An electric arc (or arc discharge) is an electrical breakdown of a gas that produces a prolonged electrical discharge. The current through a normally nonconductive medium such as air produces a plasma, which may produce visible light. An arc discharge is initiated either by thermionic emission or by field emission. After initiation, the arc relies on thermionic emission of electrons from the electrodes supporting the arc. An arc discharge is characterized by a lower voltage than a glow discharge. An archaic term is voltaic arc, as used in the phrase "voltaic arc lamp".