The space surrounding an electric charge within which it is capable of exerting a perceptible force on another electric charge. A device for emitting electric charge carriers, eg a wire that leads current into or out of a dielectric. An elementary particle carrying a negative charge. They are constituents of all atoms and as free electrons they are primarily responsible for electrical conduction in most substances. An electric discharge through a gas, usually at a low pressure, in which the gas becomes luminous.
Neon signs utilize glow discharge.
A substance that provides very high resistance to the passage of an electric current. The process of forming electrically charged atoms. The difference between electric field strength at two points. Preceded by ionization of the path, there is a rapid heating effect of the air through which the spark passes, which creates a sharp crackling noise. The lowest voltage at which a spark will be created.