What electrical phenomenon is responsible for burns caused by arches?

Electric arcs are a significant electrical phenomenon known for causing burns due to their intense heat. When an electrical current jumps through the air between two conductive materials, it creates an arc. This phenomenon can occur when there is insufficient insulation, when equipment is not properly maintained, or when conductors come into close proximity without proper safety measures in place.

The heat generated by an electric arc can reach temperatures that exceed 10,000 degrees Fahrenheit, which is sufficient to cause serious burns upon contact with skin or clothing. This makes understanding electric arcs particularly important for those working with electrical equipment, as they pose a significant risk of injury.

The other options, while they involve electrical activity, do not directly relate to the phenomenon of burning caused by this specific mode of electrical discharge. Electrical shorts can cause damage to equipment or create fire hazards, but they typically do not produce the same thermal characteristics as electric arcs. Electrical sparks are usually brief and less intense than arcs and thus are less likely to cause burns. Magnetic fields do not generate heat in a way that causes burns, as they relate more to forces acting on charged particles rather than thermal energy. Understanding the mechanics of electric arcs is crucial for safety practices in electrical work.