Corona discharge

A corona discharge is a localized electrical discharge that ionizes gas around a high-voltage conductor without normally forming a complete conducting path between electrodes.

Electric field: A vector field that describes the electric force per unit charge at each point in space. Corona begins where a conductor’s electric field becomes strong enough to ionize nearby gas.
Electrostatic precipitator: A device that removes particles from a gas stream by electrically charging and collecting them. Corona charges airborne particles so collecting plates can remove them from exhaust.
Ozone: A reactive form of oxygen whose molecules contain three oxygen atoms. Corona in air can generate ozone, an oxidant that can irritate the respiratory system.
Electrical breakdown: A rapid increase in electrical conductivity that occurs when an insulating material or gas can no longer withstand an electric field. Corona is a localized form of gas ionization that may occur below complete gap breakdown.
Michael Faraday: An English scientist whose research established foundational principles of electromagnetism and electrochemistry. Faraday’s experiments on electrical discharges helped establish early knowledge of gas conduction.
Gas ionization: The formation of ions by removing or adding electrons to gas atoms or molecules. Energetic electrons ionize air molecules, creating the charged particles that sustain corona.
Ozone generator: A device that produces ozone by exposing oxygen to electrical discharge or ultraviolet radiation. Corona can convert oxygen molecules into ozone for industrial and water-treatment uses.
Radio-frequency interference: Unwanted electromagnetic energy that disrupts the operation of electronic equipment. Rapid current changes in corona can emit radio-frequency noise.
Spark discharge: A brief electrical discharge that bridges a gap through a highly conductive channel. Unlike corona, a spark forms a conducting path across the gap.
William Thomson: A mathematical physicist and engineer later known as Lord Kelvin, who contributed to electricity and thermodynamics. Thomson studied electrical phenomena relevant to the behavior of charged conductors.

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