Tungsten Electrode

Can a high voltage arc be drawn underwater?

I have been doing alot of experimenting at school with electricity, especially with the “Cold Fusion” process which to me is fascinating. I have wondered if an HV arc can be drawn underwater using a HV transformer (neon/flourescent light transformer) using around 9K of volts with 35 miliamperes.
As the anode and cathode I will use tungsten electrodes with
Thorium content.
Using a conductive base or solution (baking/bicarb soda I figure is safe) would help I presume. So, can it be done and if so, what would be the pros and cons.

Thank you in advance.

What you are proposing violates occupational safety regulations unless you’ve received the proper training and permits. Keep in mind that getting an electric shock from touching charged water is extremely dangerous because water reduces the skin’s resistance to electricity, especially if you have salts dissolved in it. 35 mA is 3.5 times the minimum requirement to send a heart into fibrillation. Given the high voltage and water combination, there is no question that your body’s resistance would be low enough to draw the full current limit.

That said, an arc is when you create a bright plasma conducting path. Dissolving bicarb in the water will make the *water* conduct instead, and load down (short) the HV, suppressing its voltage. You’ll likely just heat the water that way. Your best bet is to use distilled water. Give the electrodes sharp points to enhance the electric field near the points. Bring the electrode close enough underwater, and you’ll get your arc. Note that arcs create high pressure, and the water may splash out of the container and electrocute you.

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