system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
Why is there a green flash when I turn off electric switches?

Specifically, when I turn off wall sockets connected to high powered electrical appliances when they are still in use?

Eg: Turning off the switch for an oven still in use will result in a short, green flash at the place where you're flipping the switch, but if you turn off the oven first, then turn off the switch, there will not be a green flash.

I've tried this for other wall sockets and other appliances, and it always happens. What causes this green flash?
gpt
This happen because of an arc that is created when the two contacts in the switcth are physically removed from each other. The electric field between the contacts will ionize the air, causing it to carry some current. This creates the arc that you see as a "green flash". Why it is green, i don't know :)