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.

College Physics
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ISBN:9781938168000
Author:Paul Peter Urone, Roger Hinrichs
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Chapter19: Electric Potential And Electric Field
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1PE: Find the ratio of speeds of an electron and a negative hydrogen ion (one having an extra electron)...
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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.

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