Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of an electric arc?

An electric arc is a discharge of electricity that travels through the air from one conductive point to another, often producing a bright flash or spark. One key characteristic of an electric arc is that it is luminous; it gives off light due to the ionization of air particles. It also generates a significant amount of heat, which is one reason why arcing can be dangerous, particularly in high-voltage situations. Additionally, electric arcs produce a distinct noise, which can range from a crackle to a loud pop, depending on the situation.

In the context of how an electric arc behaves, it does not travel in a straight path. Instead, the path of an electric arc can be influenced by various factors such as air pressure, temperature, and the presence of obstacles. This means that while it may begin along a certain trajectory, the actual path can be quite erratic and is often influenced by the surrounding environment. Therefore, stating that the electric arc travels in a straight path does not reflect its true nature.