What is the result of an electric arc in terms of environmental impact?

An electric arc generates heat and light as a primary result of the electrical discharge occurring between two conductive materials. This phenomenon is characterized by the high temperature that can reach thousands of degrees Celsius, resulting in a bright, luminous arc that emits a substantial amount of visible light.

The heat produced can also cause melting or even vaporization of the materials involved. In some cases, the intense heat may lead to the ignition of nearby combustible materials, which can have secondary environmental consequences but fundamentally stems from the heat and light generation of the arc itself.

While other options refer to various forms of environmental impact, they do not directly relate to the immediate physical outcomes of an electric arc, making the generation of heat and light the most relevant result in this context.