A spark gap is a type of electrical switch that allows current to flow when the voltage across it exceeds a certain threshold, creating a spark. This phenomenon occurs when the air between two electrodes becomes ionized, allowing electricity to jump across the gap. Spark gaps are commonly used in various applications, including radio transmitters and lightning protection systems. In addition to their practical uses, spark gaps are also important in the study of plasma physics and high-voltage engineering. They can help researchers understand the behavior of electrical discharges and the properties of gases under high voltage conditions.