Which phenomenon causes dielectric breakdown in a high-voltage capacitor when a surge exceeds its rated limit?

💡 Explanation

When a voltage surge exceeds the capacitor's limit, the electric field exceeds the dielectric strength of the material, causing ionization and forming a conductive path via arcing between the plates, reducing capacitance. Therefore arcing occurs, impairing the capacitor, rather than thermal runaway, mechanical damage, or EM interference, which engage via resistive or vibrational aspects.

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