The correct spelling of the term "Crookes space" is pronounced as /kruks speɪs/. The word "Crookes" refers to the English physicist Sir William Crookes, who made significant contributions to the study of vacuum tubes. Meanwhile, "space" simply means an area or a volume that may be occupied or free. Together, "Crookes space" pertains to a vacuum chamber or enclosure that is commonly used in scientific experiments related to the study of gases and vacuums.
Crookes space, also known as Crookes vacuum or Crookes tube, refers to a specific area in experimental physics and the design of a specialized glass tube. The Crookes space is a vacuum chamber with high-vacuum conditions that contain a cathode at one end and an anode at the other. The tube is named after Sir William Crookes, an English physicist who played a significant role in its development during the late 19th century.
In a Crookes space, the vacuum is achieved by removing all air molecules and particles, creating an environment where only a minimal amount of gas remains. By applying high voltage to the cathode and anode, an electric field is formed, causing ions in the residual gas to be accelerated towards the anode. This acceleration leads to the formation of glowing trails of ionized gas called cathode rays, which were the first discovery of electron beams.
The Crookes vacuum allowed for many important experiments in the field of atomic and particle physics. It was instrumental in discovering the fundamental properties of cathode rays, leading to the subsequent advancements in the study of electrons. The Crookes space also served as a foundation for the development of more sophisticated vacuum devices, such as cathode ray tubes, which played a crucial role in the development of television and computer displays.
In summary, Crookes space refers to the high-vacuum environment within a specialized glass tube, where experiments with cathode rays and electrons are conducted.
A dark space at the cathode in a nearly exhausted tube through which a current of electricity is passed.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.