Spark gaps are gaps between electrodes where electric sparks jump, often accompanied by light and sound. They are used in power switching tubes, surge protectors, spark plugs, and Jacob’s ladders. Spark gaps can cause health problems if they form continuous arcs, but are useful for igniting fuel sources and protecting electronics from power surges.
A spark gap is a gap between two electrodes where an electric spark can jump from one to the other. There is usually a gas between the electrodes which can conduct electricity once it reaches a certain voltage threshold, known as the breakdown voltage. This voltage causes the gas to ionize and dramatically increase its conductivity until the voltage drops or the gas expands and creates too much space between the ions. Common applications of spark gap technology include power switching tubes, surge protectors, moving electric arcs, and spark plugs for an ignition system.
At the time of the formation of a spark, a visible light and a characteristic sound are often present in the spark gap because the ionization of the gas is often abrupt. The light emitted is caused by fluorescence in the electrons, which are excited to high energy levels through major collisions with ions in the gas. When they drop to normal energy levels, they emit photons which create the blast of light in empty space. While these sensory phenomena are generally not harmful, spark gaps can sometimes create health problems when they form continuous arcs, as these will ionize the air and form oxygen and nitrogen free radicals. These molecules can harm nearby plants and animals if the experiment is conducted indoors, while outdoor experiments allow toxic gases to dissipate, reducing potential hazards.
Many stoves, burners and motors use spark gaps to ignite. Since a large degree of heat is generated when the air in the cavity is ionized, this makes it easy to use the heat generated to ignite a fuel source. Spark plugs exploit this event, while protective devices use spark-gap technology to prevent ignition. During a voltage spike, the spark gap breaks and prevents the surge from passing. This technology is useful for protecting electronics or telephone lines during potentially damaging power surges, such as lightning strikes.
Spark gaps are also used in the formation of a Jacob’s ladder or moving electric arc. In this device, a spark gap is introduced between two wires at the bottom, which are directed in such a way that the spark raises a column. The spark ionizes and heats the air, causing it to rise and continue the current until it reaches its breaking point where the air has become too hot to carry the current. Once broken, the spark starts again at the bottom of the column.
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