Which phenomenon is often accompanied by a loud noise and intense heat?

An electric arc is a phenomenon where an electrical current flows through the air between two conductors, or between a conductor and the ground. This occurs when the electrical insulation breaks down, allowing the current to jump across a gap, creating a luminous discharge.

The presence of a loud noise is a characteristic feature of an electric arc; the sound is often described as a crackling or buzzing noise. This is due to the rapid expansion and contraction of the surrounding air caused by the intense heat generated during the arcing process. The temperatures involved can be extremely high, often reaching thousands of degrees Celsius, which can also ignite materials in the vicinity or cause burns.

In contrast, while an electric current is responsible for powering devices and performing work, it doesn’t inherently create a loud noise or intense heat without the presence of a fault or breakdown. A power outage represents a loss of electrical supply and does not involve any arcing or the associated sound and heat. Lastly, an electric shock occurs when a current passes through the body, which can cause pain or injury, but it doesn’t have the same dramatic auditory or thermal effects seen with an arc. Therefore, the combination of noise and heat is specifically aligned with the occurrence of an electric arc.