MINIMUM SPARK BREAKDOWN AND GLOW VOLTAGES
Measurements of the spark breakdown voltage between carbon electrodes in hydrogen, argon, nitrogen, and air are given for ranges of the product p (mm. Hg) × d (cm.) between 0.1 and 1000 mm. Hg cm. The results show that in each gas Paschen's Law is obeyed for pd > 10 mm. Hg cm. For pd < 10 mm. Hg cm. deviations from Paschen's Law were observed at the longer gap lengths. The minimum spark breakdown voltage, Vsm, occurred near pd = 1 mm. Hg cm. The normal cathode-fall voltage, Vcn, was also measured, and was found to be less than Vsm in hydrogen, argon, and air, and greater than Vsm in nitrogen. A theoretical analysis is made which predicts the relationship Vcn = 1.110 Vsm and the reasons why this condition is seldom found in practice are discussed.