Can vacuum tubes contain a gas?

[Lemenks]

Homework Statement

I was doing an experiment containing gas or vacuum tubes "type 884 tube". It contains argon gas but when reading about triodes and cathode ray tubes, they are generally referred to as vacuum tubes - the type 884 tube is a triode, so does that mean it is a gas filled triode? or is it a vacuum tube containing a gas?

This is mostly just a terminology question - if this isn't allowed, I apologize but I just thought that asking you would be the best way to get an informative answer. Also, I realize this seems quite silly but it has been irritating me.

 

[Bystander]

Search RCA884.

 

[jedishrfu]

Yes, vacuum tubes can contain a gas but it depends on the function:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vacuum_tube

 

[Lemenks]

Thank you for your input, it was very helpful.

 

[HalfLostAndSearching]

I can confirm that vacuum tubes can indeed contain gas. The term "vacuum tube" refers to the structure and function of the device, not necessarily the contents inside. A vacuum tube is a sealed glass container with electrodes inside, designed to control the flow of electrons. While some vacuum tubes may be completely evacuated of gas, others may contain a small amount of gas (such as argon) to aid in the functioning of the device.

In the case of the type 884 tube you mentioned, it is a gas-filled triode. This means that it contains a small amount of gas, typically argon, to help regulate the flow of electrons between the cathode and anode. This gas can also help to prevent the buildup of unwanted charges inside the tube.

So to answer your question, the type 884 tube is both a gas-filled triode and a vacuum tube. The gas inside serves a specific purpose in the functioning of the device, and the vacuum aspect of the tube is still present. I hope this helps to clarify any confusion.