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

Voltage, V = 3000 volts

Step-by-step explanation:

Given that,

Electric field,
`E=3* 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* d`

`V=3* 10^6\ V/m* 0.001\ m`

V = 3000 volts

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