electric arc
/i'lektrik'ɑ:k/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: - An electrical discharge through a gas: An "electric arc" is a visible, continuous electrical discharge that occurs when a strong electric current flows through a gas, such as air, creating a channel of ionized gas (plasma). It is characterized by intense heat and bright light.
Examples of Usage
- Noun:
- The welder used an electric arc to join the two pieces of metal.
- A lightning strike is a powerful, natural example of an electric arc.
- The faulty switch caused an electric arc, which damaged the equipment.
Advanced Usage
- "To strike an arc": To initiate an electric arc, typically in welding or electrical switching.
- The technician carefully struck an arc to begin the welding process.
- "Arc flash": A dangerous, explosive release of energy caused by an electric arc.
- Workers must wear protective gear to guard against the hazards of an arc flash.
Variants and Related Words
- Arc (noun/verb): A common short form for "electric arc." As a verb, it means to form or cause an electric arc.
- The electricity arced across the broken wires.
- Arc welding (noun): A welding process that uses an electric arc to melt and join metals.
- Arc lamp (noun): A lamp that produces light from an electric arc.
Synonyms
- Electrical discharge: A broader term for the flow of electricity through a medium like a gas.
- Plasma channel: Refers to the conductive path of ionized gas created by the arc.
Related Phrases
- Arc over (phrasal verb): For an electrical current to jump across a gap as an arc, often unintentionally.
- The high voltage caused the current to arc over the insulator.
- Extinguish an arc (verb phrase): To stop or quench an electric arc.
- The circuit breaker is designed to quickly extinguish an arc.
Related Idioms
Noun
- electrical conduction through a gas in an applied electric field