Question

An electric field greater than about 3×106V/m causes air to break down (electrons are removed from the atoms and then recombine, emitting light). If you shuffle along a carpet and then reach for a doorknob, a spark flies across a gap you estimate to be 1mm between your finger and the doorknob.

Estimate the voltage between your finger and the doorknob.

Answer 1

Answer:

Voltage, V = 3000 volts

Explanation:

Given that,

Electric field, $E=3\times 10^6\ V/m$

The gap between your finger and the doorknob is 1 mm

We need to find the voltage between your finger and the doorknob. We know that the relation between voltage and electric field is given by :

$V=E\times d$

$V=3\times 10^6\ V/m\times 0.001\ m$

V = 3000 volts

So, the voltage between your finger and the doorknob is 3000 volts. Hence, this is the required solution.