Why outlets spark when unplugging - EMF & Inductors

Electromagnetic Induction is pretty amazing. It's so common you can spot it even inside your home. And I'm talking about the transformer in your cell phone charger to the transformer your home's Triplex is connected to.

The reason, as Physics Girl explained, is that the current is trying to keep flowing. In terms of electricity specifics, the spark is what's known as an Arc Flash, a type of electrical explosion. When she separated the contacts, the electricity ionized the air gap in an attempt to maintain the closed circuit.

It's truly strange how electricity appears to _want_ to complete the circuit _as it is being broken_ . Electricity is one of those things we don't notice until; it's gone, or, the dragon comes out to remind us of its power. Great video :3