What’s the physics/chemistry of a transformer explosion? Why is it bright blue? I’m guessing plasma forming due to the voltage?
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Doesn't the color depend on the gas a la Xenon, Neon, etc.?
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Until an arc is actually formed, the high voltage ionizes oxygen, creating ozone. This leaves a blueish haze all around. I oversimplied it but here's a good lowdown:
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Replying to @cjmoose @NYCFireWire and @mattlanza
Electrical arcs are blue due to nitrogen making up the vast majority of the air we breathe. Extremely high power electrical arcs can light up the sky, so it looks blue. Add in green due to vaporizing copper wires and orange from transformer oil and other plastics burning as well
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Emission spectrum of nitrogen, which is the primary constituent of air. High potential electronically excites all of the molecules in air, and because it’s mostly nitrogen, that’s the dominant colour.
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