one – about 700 volts); f (ρ) is a function of ρ, the value of which varies along the
length of the electrolyte – principally because of enhanced heating around the arc’s
root. Note: ρ decreases as the electrolyte’s temperature increases until saturation of
the solution occurs; thereafter, it increases again as evaporation of the water continues
further. f (X) is a function of the arc length, X, the sum of the electrolyte’s length
plus that of the dry band – together, designated L – and the effective size of the arc’s
root on the electrolyte’s surface; obviously, this size can have two values – one for
the anode, and the other for the cathode.