The distance an arc can jump between surfaces is a function of the ____.

The distance an arc can jump between surfaces is primarily a function of the voltage present. When voltage is increased, the electric field strength also increases. This high electric field can ionize the air or the medium between the two surfaces, allowing the electric current to leap or "jump" across a gap, effectively creating an arc.

In practical terms, higher voltage levels mean that an arc can bridge greater distances, as the energy provided is sufficient to overcome the dielectric strength of the medium in between. In contrast, while current, resistance, and material type do play roles in determining the overall behavior of electrical systems, it is the voltage that directly influences the ability of an arc to jump between surfaces.