The correct spelling of the word "Carbon transmitter" is /ˈkɑːrbən trænsˈmɪtər/. The first sound, /k/, is followed by the vowel sound /ɑː/, which is pronounced with an open mouth. The second syllable starts with the consonant sound /b/, followed by the vowel sound /ə/, which is pronounced with a schwa sound. The final syllable has the consonant sound /n/ followed by the vowel sound /s/, pronounced as /trænsˈmɪtər/. This technology used to transmit signals in early telephones and radio systems relied on carbon granules to modulate the electrical current.
A carbon transmitter refers to an early type of telephone transmitter that converts sound waves into electrical signals by using carbon granules. It consists of a diaphragm, a carbon button, and two electrical contacts. When words are spoken into the transmitter, the sound waves cause the diaphragm to vibrate. These vibrations then compress and release the carbon button, causing variations in its resistance. The varying resistance generates electrical currents, representing the sound waves, that can be transmitted over a telephone wire.
The carbon transmitter's working principle is based on the fact that the carbon granules change their electrical resistance when they are squeezed together or loosened. With the help of a battery or power source, the transmitter connects the carbon button to one contact. The other contact links to a telephone line or network. As sound waves make the diaphragm vibrate, it applies pressure to the carbon button, squeezing the granules. This compression reduces the resistance across the carbon button, allowing electric current to flow through it. As the diaphragm moves in response to different sound frequencies, the carbon granules experience varying levels of compression, altering the resistance and creating a corresponding electrical current. These electrical currents are then sent over the telephone wire to be received and converted back into sound by a receiver at the other end of the line. Carbon transmitters played a crucial role in early telephone systems before being replaced by more advanced technologies.
The word "carbon transmitter" is composed of two parts: "carbon" and "transmitter".
1. Carbon: The term "carbon" refers to the element carbon itself. The word "carbon" has its origin in the Latin word "carbo", which means "charcoal" or "coal". It found its way into the English language through the Old French word "carbone".
2. Transmitter: The word "transmitter" originates from the Latin word "transmittere", where "trans" means "across" or "beyond", and "mittere" means "to send". Transmitter refers to a device or an instrument used to transmit or send audio or electrical signals.
Thus, the etymology of "carbon transmitter" is the combination of the term "carbon" referring to the element and "transmitter" meaning an instrument used to send signals.