It is essential to distinguish between characteristic impedances (of free space or other) and resistances. Although both are real values measured in ohms, characteristic impedances are non-dissipative.

Just because EM waves can propagate in vacuum does not mean you can induce a current density.

First part is correct. Second part: ...that's the basis of all RF systems, and exactly how antennas work, isn't it?

Obviously you can't induce a current in vacuum, but you can definitely convert EM waves to current flux in a receiving structure.

Right. I see now that I was unclear in that second part - I should have written something like "just because EM waves can propagate in vacuum does not mean you can induce a current density in vacuum." Of course EM waves can induce current density in antennas and other structures.

> Obviously you can't induce a current in vacuum ...

Yes. I wrote that second part because 'mmmBacon seemed to be arguing that one could induce a current in vacuum; that because vacuum has a characteristic impedance, it isn't an insulator (i.e. can support current because it has characteristic impedance).

@twtw was not arguing that one can induce a current in the vacuum. However, I did say that a surface can arc in vacuum. This is because a surface can emit charges either thermally or in presence of a large electric field. This is correct and didstinct from current induction in media. Please note this phenomenon should not be confused with arc discharge in gas.

See: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vacuum_arc

Right, but that effect is pretty much unrelated to the characteristic impedance of free space and doesn't mean that vacuum is not an insulator.

I’m sorry but I fundamentally disagree. GP said vacuum is a perfect insulator. Comment was in response to that demonstrating that it is not.

Ah, gotcha, appreciate the clarification.