[Corvettaholic]

Lets say I have two electrodes 6 inches apart with a solid arc between them. Whats the arc doing? Nothing really, just passing through air and looking pretty.

If I introduce a strong magnetic field near the arc, how will that effect it? Will the arc move closer to the magnetic source, away, do nothing? Also, does arcing produce a magnetic field of its own?

[Demotivator]

Arcs produce a magnetic field as any moving current does. I think Introducing a strong magnetic field at right angles to current flow can  disrupt the arc's flow by disrupting the arc's field.

[Corvettaholic]

I'm wondering if I dump a 12volt, 8 farad capacitor bank into an electromagnet that is at an angle of 45 degrees from the arc, can I "pull" it? What I'm trying to get is instead of a straight arc between two electrodes, I want the arc to significantly bow in the middle.