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AD - Why do I get this spark when I unplug my hair dryer?
Veritasium

AD - Why do I get this spark when I unplug my hair dryer?

4 insights saved from this video by @science
  1. @science
    A 1-centimeter spark needs roughly 10,000 volts to cross air, far above the 120–240 volts mains electricity supplies.
  2. @science
    Unplugging a coil-powered appliance abruptly interrupts current, and its collapsing magnetic field induces voltage high enough to ionize air and create a spark.
  3. @science
    An inductor stores energy magnetically as current rises, then releases it as current falls, smoothing pulsed electricity into steadier DC.
  4. @science
    The higher the voltage an inductor handles, the larger it must be, making high-power chargers physically larger.

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