Stability of Gas in an Electric Field: Exploring the Role of Induced Dipoles

In summary, the conversation discusses an evacuated glass tube containing mercury gas and two plates, one cathode and one collecting plate, with a positive grid in between. The question is whether the gas will remain between the cathode and positive grid due to the stability of the atom and the presence of a net electric field. The possibility of an electric dipolar moment for mercury gas is also questioned, as well as the movement of electrons towards the positive plate due to induced dipoles.
  • #1
stunner5000pt
1,461
2
Lets say we have an evacuated glass tube. In that glass tube we have a gas of some atom say ... ooo... mercury. (i wonder this could be goin:wink: ) Also in that glass tube we have 2 plates at the end, one is a cathode and one is a coleting palte held only slightly negative while in between the two plates is a postiive grid.

My question is : the gas which fills the tube - will it remain betwee nthe cathode and the postiive grid? Why? Is it because despite the netrality of the atom, the atom will not be stable if it was located anywhere else in the tube 9because of induced dipoles)? Then the atom will locate itself to a location where the net electric field iis zero?
 
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  • #2
Why would a mercury gas have an electric dipolar moment?
 
  • #3
since there is a net electric field wouldn't the electrons of the mercury atom move to the side of the positive plate? Induced dipole??
 

1. What is the difference between gas and electric fields?

The main difference between gas and electric fields is that gas refers to a state of matter where the particles are spread out and can move freely, while electric fields refer to the force exerted by electrically charged particles on each other.

2. How does gas behave in an electric field?

In an electric field, gas particles can become ionized, meaning they lose or gain electrons and become charged. This can cause the particles to move towards or away from the electric field depending on their charge. Gas particles can also experience collisions and interactions with other particles, leading to changes in their behavior.

3. What causes gas particles to become ionized in an electric field?

The electric field can provide enough energy to overcome the binding energy of electrons in gas particles, causing them to become ionized. This can happen through processes such as thermal ionization, photoionization, or collisional ionization.

4. How is the motion of gas particles affected by an electric field?

In an electric field, gas particles can experience a force due to their charge and the electric field. This force can cause them to accelerate, change direction, or collide with other particles. The motion of gas particles in an electric field can be described using principles of electromagnetism and kinetic theory of gases.

5. What are some real-world applications of gas in an electric field?

Gas in an electric field has many practical applications, such as in gas discharge tubes used in lighting and displays, gas lasers, and gas-insulated power lines. It is also used in devices such as ion thrusters for spacecraft propulsion and gas detectors for monitoring air quality. Understanding the behavior of gas in an electric field is also important in fields such as plasma physics and atmospheric science.

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