COULOMB EXPLOSION Meaning and
Definition
-
Coulomb explosion refers to a physical phenomenon in which charged particles experience a sudden and violent repulsion from each other due to their mutual electromagnetic interactions. This explosive effect occurs primarily in situations where the electric charges involved are relatively high.
Typically, a coulomb explosion occurs when a cluster or ensemble of charged particles is subjected to a strong external electric field. As the electric field increases, it disturbs the equilibrium between the mutual attractions and repulsions of the charged particles within the cluster. When the electric field exceeds a certain critical value, the mutual repulsion forces rapidly surpass the cohesive forces keeping the particles together.
As a result, the charged particles undergo a sudden and dramatic dispersal, propelled away from each other in a highly energetic and explosive manner. This explosive separation can lead to the fragmentation and disintegration of the initial cluster or ensemble.
Coulomb explosions have significant applications in various scientific fields such as plasma physics, laser ablation, and molecular dynamics. They play a crucial role in understanding and manipulating the behavior of charged particles in intense electric fields.
In summary, coulomb explosion refers to the violent repulsion and dispersal of charged particles within a cluster or ensemble due to the overwhelming mutual electromagnetic repulsion forces.
Etymology of COULOMB EXPLOSION
The etymology of the word "coulomb explosion" can be understood by breaking it down into its components.
1. Coulomb: The term "coulomb" is named after Charles-Augustin de Coulomb, a French physicist who made significant contributions to the field of electromagnetism in the 18th century. The coulomb is the International System of Units (SI) unit of electric charge. It is defined as the quantity of electricity transported in one second by a current of one ampere.
2. Explosion: The word "explosion" comes from the Latin word "explosionem" meaning "a hissing or hooting off", and it refers to a sudden and violent release of energy, often accompanied by a loud noise and the ejection of debris or gases.
