Observe the following circuit given in Fig. 14.9.

Current does not flow in the circuit if there is a gap between the two wires. Does it indicate that air is a poor conductor of electricity? Does air never conduct electricity? Explain.

Question

Observe the following circuit given in Fig. 14.9.

Current does not flow in the circuit if there is a gap between the two wires. Does it indicate that air is a poor conductor of electricity? Does air never conduct electricity? Explain.

Philoid · Accepted Answer

When the free ends of the wire do not touch each other there is an air gap between them. Since current does not flow through the circuit in this condition means that air is a poor conductor of electricity.

But it is not that air never conducts electricity. During heavy rainfall and storm, air becomes a good conductor of electricity and during lightning, a current passes through air. During storm, moisture content in air increases and high voltage difference exists.

Observe the following circuit given in Fig. 14.9.Current does not flow in the circuit if there is a gap between the two wires. Does it indicate that air is a poor conductor of electricity? Does air never conduct electricity? Explain.

Observe the following circuit given in Fig. 14.9.

Current does not flow in the circuit if there is a gap between the two wires. Does it indicate that air is a poor conductor of electricity? Does air never conduct electricity? Explain.