THERMIONIC Meaning and
Definition
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Thermionic is an adjective used to describe phenomena or devices involving the emission of electrons from a heated surface or cathode. The term "thermionic" originates from the combination of the Greek words "thermo," meaning heat, and "ion," denoting a charged particle.
In physics and electronics, the term "thermionic" commonly refers to the thermionic emission process, where a heated material emits electrons. This emission occurs due to the thermal energy supplied to the material, causing some of its electrons to overcome the energy barrier and escape. Thermionic emission is typically observed in vacuum tubes or thermionic valves, which utilize heated cathodes to emit electrons and control the flow of electrical current. These devices played a critical role in early electronic applications, such as radios and televisions.
The phenomenon of thermionic emission is virtually independent of the nature of the substance from which the electrons are emitted, as long as it possesses a sufficiently high temperature. The emitted electrons can then be manipulated and controlled using electric fields to create useful electronic devices, including vacuum diodes, triodes, and other types of electron tubes.
In summary, "thermionic" refers to the emission of electrons caused by heating a material, most commonly seen in vacuum tubes or valves. It describes the process and devices involving the conversion of thermal energy into electron emission, enabling various applications in the field of electronics.
Common Misspellings for THERMIONIC
Etymology of THERMIONIC
The word "thermionic" comes from the combination of two root words: "therm" and "ion".
"Therm" comes from the Greek word "thermos", meaning heat or hot. It is used to refer to anything related to heat or temperature.
"Ion" also comes from Greek, specifically from the word "iont-" which means going or traveling. In scientific terms, an ion refers to an electrically charged atom or molecule.
When these two roots are combined, "thermionic" refers to a process or phenomenon involving the emission or movement of electrically charged particles (ions) due to the influence of heat. It is commonly used in the context of thermionic emission, which describes the release of electrons from a heated cathode in a vacuum tube or thermionic valve.
Similar spelling words for THERMIONIC
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