Question on variable definitions in Paschens law? (breakdown voltage)

In summary, Paschen's law is a scientific principle that relates the breakdown voltage of a gas to its pressure and distance between electrodes. It states that for a fixed distance, the breakdown voltage decreases as the gas pressure increases. This is important in understanding electrical properties of gases and is used in practical applications such as spark plugs and gas discharge tubes. The breakdown voltage is defined as the product of a constant and the gas pressure multiplied by the electrode distance. Factors such as gas type, electrode materials, and external factors can also affect the breakdown voltage. While useful, Paschen's law has limitations such as assuming a uniform gas and not considering external factors.
  • #1
Krejuski
5
0
Hello all,

In the equation V= apd/Ln(pd)+b as described by Paschens law regarding breakdown voltage, I was wondering what the "L" and the "n" stood for. Example of what I'm looking for: p stands for pressure.
Thanks.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2

FAQ: Question on variable definitions in Paschens law? (breakdown voltage)

What is Paschen's law and how does it relate to breakdown voltage?

Paschen's law is a scientific principle that describes the relationship between the breakdown voltage of a gas and its pressure and distance between electrodes. It states that for a fixed distance between electrodes, the breakdown voltage decreases as the pressure of the gas increases. This is important in understanding the electrical properties of gases and is often used in applications such as spark plugs and gas discharge tubes.

How is breakdown voltage defined in Paschen's law?

Breakdown voltage, also known as sparking potential, is the minimum voltage required to cause a gas to break down and become electrically conductive. In Paschen's law, it is defined as the product of a constant (depending on the gas and electrode materials) and the pressure of the gas multiplied by the distance between the electrodes.

What factors affect breakdown voltage according to Paschen's law?

Paschen's law states that the breakdown voltage is affected by the pressure of the gas and the distance between the electrodes. Additionally, the type of gas and the materials of the electrodes can also impact the breakdown voltage. For example, different gases have different dielectric strengths, which can affect the breakdown voltage.

What is the significance of Paschen's law in practical applications?

Paschen's law is important in understanding the behavior of gases in electrical systems. It is used in the design and operation of devices such as spark plugs, gas discharge tubes, and neon lights. It also helps determine the maximum distance between electrodes to prevent sparking and electrical breakdown.

Are there any limitations to Paschen's law?

While Paschen's law is a useful principle in understanding breakdown voltage, it has some limitations. It assumes that the gas is uniform and has no impurities, which may not be the case in practical applications. Additionally, it does not take into account factors such as temperature and external electric fields, which can also affect the breakdown voltage.

Similar threads

Minimum breakdown voltage in Neon, Electrode spacing in mm
Replies
7
Views
3K
I An attempt to understand the associated variable conventions in circuits
Replies
1
Views
1K
I Mutual inductance in a transformer
Replies
16
Views
3K
Is Current in Superconductors Truly Infinite?
Replies
9
Views
2K
Inductor response to applied voltage
Replies
22
Views
4K
How to determine the breakdown voltage of a diode?
Replies
6
Views
3K
B Questions about Feynman's contrasting Definitions and Laws in physics
Replies
15
Views
1K
Circuit analysis -- Voltage question
Replies
3
Views
1K
Insights How to Apply Newton’s Second Law to Variable Mass Systems
Replies
0
Views
2K
Power Transmitted in a Coaxial Cable
Replies
7
Views
3K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top