An electric field greater than about causes air to break
Chapter 17, Problem 15(choose chapter or problem)
An electric field greater than about causes air to break down (electrons are removed from the atoms and then recombine, emitting light). See Section 172 and Table 173. If you shuffle along a carpet and then reach for a doorknob, a spark flies across a gap you estimate to be 1 mm between your finger and the doorknob. Estimate the voltage between your finger and the doorknob. Why is no harm done?
Unfortunately, we don't have that question answered yet. But you can get it answered in just 5 hours by Logging in or Becoming a subscriber.
Becoming a subscriber
Or look for another answer