Breakdown: Difference between revisions
From Glossary of Meteorology
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|Meaning=The process by which electrically stressed air is transformed from an insulator to a conductor. | |||
|Explanation=Breakdown involves the [[acceleration]] of electrons to [[ionization potential|ionization potential]] in the [[electric field]] imposed by the [[thundercloud]], and the subsequent creation of new electrons that avalanche and expand the [[scale]] or enlarge the volume of enhanced [[conductivity]]. Breakdown precedes the development of [[lightning]]. | |||
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Latest revision as of 12:42, 26 March 2024
The process by which electrically stressed air is transformed from an insulator to a conductor.
Breakdown involves the acceleration of electrons to ionization potential in the electric field imposed by the thundercloud, and the subsequent creation of new electrons that avalanche and expand the scale or enlarge the volume of enhanced conductivity. Breakdown precedes the development of lightning.