How do you get an arc discharge?

Self-discharge can occur not only at reduced pressure, but also at atmospheric pressure. In this case, an arc discharge occurs. The arc discharge was first obtained in 1802 by the Russian physicist Vasily Vladimirovich Petrov (1761-1834). This discharge is usually obtained between special electrodes made of graphite. With a relatively low voltage between the ends of the electrodes, a significant amount of heat is released due to the high resistance. In this case, a column of brightly glowing gas appears between the electrodes – an electric arc. During its combustion, the distance between the electrodes is about 5 mm at a current strength of 10-20 A and a voltage between their ends of 40-50 V.