DISCHARGE TUBE Meaning and
Definition
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A discharge tube refers to a sealed glass container that contains a gas or mixture of gases at low pressure. It is designed to generate and contain an electric discharge or flow of electricity. The discharge tube consists of two electrodes, often made of metal, located at opposite ends of the tube. These electrodes are connected to a power source or high-voltage supply.
When the power is applied, a voltage difference is established between the electrodes, leading to the creation of an electric field within the discharge tube. As a result, the gas or gases inside the tube are ionized, leading to the formation of plasma, a highly conductive state of matter. This ionization allows the flow of electric current through the gas.
The discharge tube can exhibit various phenomena based on the gas or gases it contains and the conditions within the tube. These phenomena include the emission of light, such as in neon lights or fluorescent lamps, or the generation of specific wavelengths of radiation, as in gas lasers. Additionally, the discharge tube can be used for electrical measurements, analysis of gases, or even in cathode ray tubes for visual displays.
In summary, a discharge tube is a sealed glass container that, when electrically energized, allows for the creation and maintenance of an electric discharge or flow of electricity through a gas at low pressure.
Etymology of DISCHARGE TUBE
The word "discharge" originated from the Old French word "deschargier", which means "to unload" or "to undo". It further evolved from the Latin word "dis-" (prefix meaning "apart" or "away") and "carricare" (meaning "to load").
The word "tube" comes from the Latin word "tubus", meaning "pipe" or "tube".
When combined, the term "discharge tube" refers to a sealed glass tube used in various scientific and industrial applications, where electrical discharge occurs.
