What is the significance of the Ramsauer-Townsend effect?

  • Thread starter oddiseas
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In summary, the concept being discussed is the R-T effect, which refers to the transmission and reflection of an electron wave when it is incident on an object. If the phase shift of the wave is 2 pi, there will be no reflection, resulting in total transmission. This can be useful for transmitting something without any loss. In terms of practical applications, this can be seen in the Ramsauer-Townsend effect when passing a current through an atom. This also implies that the material is transparent, similar to coating a lens to eliminate reflection.
  • #1
oddiseas
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Can someone explain this concept to me. I have found quite a few explanations on the internet, but i don't understand them.

Basically i understand that it has to do with an electron wave being incident on some object and being able to continue on undisturbed.Ie total transmission, but what is the significance of this? if we have for example a potential well and the energy is greater than V, then we would expect it to get through anyway>

I
 
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  • #2
In general, there is transmission and reflection. If the phase shift of the wave is 2 pi, there will be no reflection. This is called the R-T effect.
 
  • #3
What is the significance of this? is there a use for having total transmission? and experimentally what would be observed, say if we have a hydrogen atom or any atom, and pass a current trough it and get the ramsouer townsend effect?
 
  • #4
If you want to transmit something, total transmission is as good as it gets.
 
  • #5
Meir Achuz said:
In general, there is transmission and reflection. If the phase shift of the wave is 2 pi, there will be no reflection. This is called the R-T effect.

That implies that there is neither any dispersion or refraction? Physically that would mean that the material would be transparent, wouldn't it?
 
  • #6
Yes. It is no different than coating a lens to eliminate reflection.
 

FAQ: What is the significance of the Ramsauer-Townsend effect?

What is the Ramsauer Townsend effect?

The Ramsauer Townsend effect, also known as the "R-T effect", is a phenomenon in gas discharge physics where the electrical conductivity of a gas decreases as the applied voltage is reduced.

How does the Ramsauer Townsend effect occur?

The Ramsauer Townsend effect occurs due to the interaction of electrons with gas molecules in a low-pressure gas discharge. At high voltages, electrons are accelerated enough to ionize gas molecules and produce a large number of free electrons. However, at lower voltages, the electrons do not have enough energy to ionize the gas molecules, resulting in a decrease in electrical conductivity.

What is the significance of the Ramsauer Townsend effect?

The Ramsauer Townsend effect is important in understanding gas discharge processes and is used in various technologies such as gas-filled detectors, gas lasers, and gas-filled tubes. It also has implications in plasma physics and gas discharge lighting.

How is the Ramsauer Townsend effect related to Paschen's law?

The Ramsauer Townsend effect is a deviation from Paschen's law, which states that the breakdown voltage in a gas discharge is inversely proportional to the product of gas pressure and electrode spacing. The R-T effect occurs at lower voltages than predicted by Paschen's law.

How can the Ramsauer Townsend effect be controlled?

The R-T effect can be controlled by adjusting the gas pressure, electrode spacing, and electrode material. Higher gas pressure and shorter electrode spacing reduce the effect, while certain electrode materials, such as tungsten, can enhance it. Additionally, the use of magnetic fields can also affect the R-T effect.

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