how can u define a electric spark??

Question

i know how spark produces ... but can any one tell me that wat really it is?
& wat is goin on there at atomic level when this happens

Answer 1

electric spark is transient form of gaseous conduction. This type of discharge is difficult to define, and no universally accepted definition exists. It can perhaps best be thought of as the transition between two more or less stable forms of gaseous conduction. For example, the transitional breakdown which occurs in the transition from a glow to an arc discharge may be thought of as a spark.More reference can be taken from Electrical conduction in gases.

Electric sparks play an important part in many physical effects. Usually these are harmful and undesirable effects, ranging from the gradual destruction of contacts in a conventional electrical switch to the large-scale have resulting from lightning discharges. Sometimes, however, the spark may be very useful. Examples are its function in the ignition system of an automobile, its use as an intense short-duration illumination source in high-speed photography, and its use as a source of excitation in spectroscopy. In the second case the spark may actually perform the function of the camera shutter, because its extinction renders the camera insensitive.

hope this helped u :-)

Answer 2

because most, if not all, of the molecules in the air cannot conduct electricity, the potential is great enough to ionize the molecules in some path between the points of high and low potential. ionizing a molecule causes an electron to be promoted to a higher energy state or removed completely. most sparks dont have enough energy to create plasma, but some do. the majority of the molecules will promote electrons to energy levels that allow conductivity. eventually the electrons will decay and emit photons. this is why you see light.

Answer 3

Rapid electron movement across air.

Answer 4

challenging point. search with a search engine. it could actually help!