elektrilahendust

Elektrilahendus refers to the passage of electric current through a medium that is normally an electrical insulator. This occurs when the electric field strength across the insulator exceeds its dielectric strength, causing the material to break down and conduct electricity. Common examples of insulators include gases, liquids, and solids.

In gases, electrical breakdown often manifests as visible phenomena like sparks, arcs, or corona discharge. These discharges are responsible for lightning strikes, the operation of fluorescent lamps, and the noisy crackling experienced during electrostatic discharge. The process involves the ionization of gas molecules, creating free electrons and ions that can carry current.

Electrical discharges in liquids, such as water or oil, can also occur under high voltage conditions. These discharges can be used in applications like electrical discharge machining (EDM), a manufacturing process that uses electrical sparks to shape conductive materials.

Solid dielectrics can also experience electrical breakdown, though it is often a more destructive process leading to permanent damage. This can happen due to factors like impurities, defects, or prolonged exposure to high electric fields. Understanding and controlling electrical discharges are crucial in many engineering fields, from designing high-voltage equipment to preventing electrical failures in electronic devices. The study of elektrilahendus is fundamental to electrical engineering and physics.