2007-02-05 04:00:53 · 4 answers · asked by varun s 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Dry air does not conduct electricity until it electrically breaks down.
It does this in reponse to an electric field, so it is not easy to quote a simple voltage at which it does it - the field strength depends on the shape of electrodes and breakdown can depend on whether an air gap existed before the voltage was applied (so a switch can spark at very low voltages as it is used).
However, the breakdown voltage of dry air is actually around 33,000 V per cm (way above what your previous answerer incorrectly suggested). Its a good job it is this high - a 3 phase mains supply in Europe runs at a peak of 360 V so if it were low we would be in trouble.
2007-02-05 04:16:32 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The breakdown voltage for 1mm of dry air is 300V.
2007-02-05 04:09:36 · answer #2 · answered by stopwar11112 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
go to
www.lincei.it/pubblicazioni/rendicontiFMN/rol/pdf/M1999-02-03.pdf
http://www.prolific-test-equipment.com/rapid-plastimeter.html
2007-02-05 04:36:57 · answer #3 · answered by Kevin 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
both and gas
2007-02-05 04:04:09 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋