Vacuum: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|Absence of matter}} | |||
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}} | |||
A '''vacuum''' is a space devoid of matter. The word stems from the Latin | ==Introduction== | ||
A '''vacuum''' is a space devoid of matter. The word stems from the Latin term ''vacuus'' for "vacant" or "void". An approximation to such vacuum is a region with a gaseous pressure much less than atmospheric pressure. Physicists often discuss ideal test results that would occur in a perfect vacuum, which they sometimes simply call "vacuum" or "free space", and use the term partial vacuum to refer to an actual imperfect vacuum as one might have in a laboratory or in space. | |||
== | ==Historical Development== | ||
The concept of vacuum has been central to many scientific advancements. The development of the [[vacuum pump]] in the 17th century by [[Otto von Guericke]] was a significant milestone. This device allowed for the creation of a vacuum by removing air from a sealed container. | |||
[[File:Kolbenluftpumpe_hg.jpg|A historical vacuum pump|thumb|right]] | |||
== | ===Early Experiments=== | ||
In the 17th century, [[Evangelista Torricelli]] created the first laboratory vacuum using a [[barometer]]. This experiment demonstrated that air had weight and could exert pressure. The [[File:Baro_0.png|Diagram of a barometer, an early vacuum device|thumb|left]] illustrates the basic principle of Torricelli's barometer. | |||
== | ==Applications of Vacuum== | ||
Vacuum technology has numerous applications in science and industry. It is essential in the production of [[semiconductors]], the operation of [[electron microscopes]], and the creation of [[incandescent light bulbs]]. | |||
[[File:Gluehlampe_01_KMJ.jpg|An incandescent light bulb, which operates in a vacuum|thumb|right]] | |||
=== | ===Vacuum Tubes=== | ||
[[Vacuum tubes]] were crucial in the development of early electronics. They control the flow of electricity in a high vacuum between electrodes to which an electric potential difference has been applied. The [[File:Crookes_tube_two_views.jpg|A Crookes tube, an early experimental vacuum tube|thumb|right]] shows an example of an early vacuum tube used in experiments. | |||
== | ==Vacuum in Space== | ||
Space is often considered a near-perfect vacuum, although it is not completely devoid of matter. The [[magnetosphere]] of Earth, for example, is influenced by the vacuum conditions in space. | |||
[[File:Structure_of_the_magnetosphere_LanguageSwitch.svg|Diagram of the magnetosphere, which is influenced by vacuum conditions in space|thumb|right]] | |||
== Vacuum | ==Measurement of Vacuum== | ||
The measurement of vacuum is crucial for many scientific and industrial processes. Instruments such as the [[McLeod gauge]] are used to measure low pressures in a vacuum. | |||
[[File:McLeod_gauge_01.jpg|A McLeod gauge, used to measure vacuum pressure|thumb|right]] | |||
==Quantum Vacuum== | |||
In quantum field theory, the vacuum state is the quantum state with the lowest possible energy. Generally, it contains no physical particles. The concept of [[vacuum fluctuations]] arises from the uncertainty principle, which allows for the temporary appearance of particle-antiparticle pairs. | |||
[[File:Vacuum_fluctuations_revealed_through_spontaneous_parametric_down-conversion.ogv|Video illustrating vacuum fluctuations|thumb|left]] | |||
==Vacuum Pumps== | |||
Vacuum pumps are devices that remove gas molecules from a sealed volume to leave behind a partial vacuum. They are essential in many industrial and scientific applications. | |||
[[File:L-Pumpe2.png|Diagram of a vacuum pump|thumb|right]] | |||
==Related Pages== | |||
* [[Vacuum pump]] | |||
* [[Vacuum tube]] | |||
* [[Quantum vacuum]] | |||
* [[Barometer]] | |||
* [[Magnetosphere]] | |||
[[Category:Vacuum]] | [[Category:Vacuum]] | ||
[[Category:Physics]] | |||
[[Category:Thermodynamics]] | |||
Latest revision as of 11:01, 23 March 2025
Absence of matter
Introduction[edit]
A vacuum is a space devoid of matter. The word stems from the Latin term vacuus for "vacant" or "void". An approximation to such vacuum is a region with a gaseous pressure much less than atmospheric pressure. Physicists often discuss ideal test results that would occur in a perfect vacuum, which they sometimes simply call "vacuum" or "free space", and use the term partial vacuum to refer to an actual imperfect vacuum as one might have in a laboratory or in space.
Historical Development[edit]
The concept of vacuum has been central to many scientific advancements. The development of the vacuum pump in the 17th century by Otto von Guericke was a significant milestone. This device allowed for the creation of a vacuum by removing air from a sealed container.
Early Experiments[edit]
In the 17th century, Evangelista Torricelli created the first laboratory vacuum using a barometer. This experiment demonstrated that air had weight and could exert pressure. The
illustrates the basic principle of Torricelli's barometer.
Applications of Vacuum[edit]
Vacuum technology has numerous applications in science and industry. It is essential in the production of semiconductors, the operation of electron microscopes, and the creation of incandescent light bulbs.
Vacuum Tubes[edit]
Vacuum tubes were crucial in the development of early electronics. They control the flow of electricity in a high vacuum between electrodes to which an electric potential difference has been applied. The
shows an example of an early vacuum tube used in experiments.
Vacuum in Space[edit]
Space is often considered a near-perfect vacuum, although it is not completely devoid of matter. The magnetosphere of Earth, for example, is influenced by the vacuum conditions in space.
Measurement of Vacuum[edit]
The measurement of vacuum is crucial for many scientific and industrial processes. Instruments such as the McLeod gauge are used to measure low pressures in a vacuum.
Quantum Vacuum[edit]
In quantum field theory, the vacuum state is the quantum state with the lowest possible energy. Generally, it contains no physical particles. The concept of vacuum fluctuations arises from the uncertainty principle, which allows for the temporary appearance of particle-antiparticle pairs.
File:Vacuum fluctuations revealed through spontaneous parametric down-conversion.ogv
Vacuum Pumps[edit]
Vacuum pumps are devices that remove gas molecules from a sealed volume to leave behind a partial vacuum. They are essential in many industrial and scientific applications.
