Real Life Applications of Electrons

Electrons are the negatively charged particles orbiting an atom’s nucleus. They are fundamental to the universe’s structure and the operation of various phenomena in our daily lives. The study of electrons has led to revolutions in technology and science, reshaping our world over the past century. This article explores how electrons play a crucial role in modern society and real life applications of electrons.

What are Applications of Electrons in Real Life

Electrons are the negatively charged particles that revolve around the nucleus of an atom in a defined atomic orbit. Electrons were discovered by J.J. Thomson in 1897 in the Cathode Ray Experiment. Although, they are much smaller particles, but are of immense importance in the field of science and technology. The detailed applications of electrons are discussed below:

Electricity Generation and Distribution

The most important use of electron is in electricity generation and distribution. The electric current that flows from the power generating sources to our homes is composed of only these electrons. The wires through which electrons flow, i.e., current is transmitted, are called conductors. These conductors have free and mobile electrons. When an electric field is applied, these electrons start flowing, which helps in generating and distributing current.

Electronics

The semiconductor industry relies on the manipulation of electron flow in materials. Devices like transistors, diodes, and integrated circuits control and amplify the flow of electrons, forming the backbone of all modern electronics, from smartphones and computers to advanced medical equipment. All semiconductors have conductivity less than conductors and more than insulators. To improve the conductivity of these semiconductor materials they are doped with foreign elements which contributes the electron. This foreign electron is mobile and jump from valence band to conduction band thus causing the flow of current in the semiconductor.

Electron Microscopy

As optical microscope uses light to illuminate the object for viewing, similarly electron microscopes uses electron beams to illuminate the object and view its magnified form. Electron microscopes use an electron source to generate a beam of electrons. The most common electron sources are thermionic emission filaments or field emission guns (FEG). These sources emit electrons when heated, producing a focused electron beam. Electrons interact with the atoms in the sample, resulting in elastic or inelastic scattering. Various detectors are used to capture the signals produced by the interaction of electrons with the specimen.

Electron Beam Welding

Electron beam welding (EBW) is a fusion welding process that utilizes a high-velocity beam of electrons to join metal components. The process begins with the generation of a high-energy electron beam. This is typically achieved using an electron gun, which consists of a heated cathode that emits electrons when heated to high temperatures. This process is commonly used in aerospace, automotive, and electronics industries for its precision and efficiency.

Medical Imaging and Treatments

Electrons play a vital role in medical imaging techniques such as X-rays and MRI scans. In X-ray machines, electrons are accelerated to high speeds and directed at a target, producing X-rays that can penetrate the body and create images of its internal structure. Radiation therapy for cancer treatment also uses high-energy electrons to damage the DNA of cancer cells, inhibiting their growth.

Chemical Reactions and Catalysis

In chemistry, electron transfer reactions are essential for processes like photosynthesis in plants and the functioning of batteries. Electrons also play a critical role in catalysis, which speeds up chemical reactions in industrial processes, environmental technology, and the production of pharmaceuticals. The major backbone of a chemical reaction is based on transfer of electrons. As the movement of electrons is responsible for breaking of old bond and creation of new bond.

Lighting and Illumination

From traditional incandescent bulbs to modern LED lights, the principle of using electrons is central to creating light. In incandescent bulbs, electrons flow through a filament, heating it until it glows. LED lights, on the other hand, use semiconductors to recombine electrons and holes, releasing energy in the form of photons (light).

Cathode Ray Tubes (CRTs)

In a cathode ray tube (CRT), electrons are utilized to produce images on a phosphorescent screen. For producing images in televisions, computer monitors, and oscilloscopes. At the back of the CRT, there is an electron gun, which consists of a heated cathode and one or more control grids and focusing anodes. When the cathode is heated, it emits electrons via thermionic emission. The front of the CRT is coated with a phosphorescent material that emits light when struck by the electrons. This material is arranged in pixels or lines, corresponding to the resolution of the display.

Particle Accelerators

Electrons are accelerated to high speeds in these machines for practical applications like medical treatment (e.g., cancer therapy) and industrial material analysis. Particle accelerators utilize electromagnetic fields to accelerate charged particles, including electrons, to high speeds and energies for various scientific and industrial applications.

FAQs on Real Life Applications of Electrons

How do electrons generate electricity?

Electricity is generated by moving electrons through a conductor, a process that can be initiated through various means such as mechanical movement in generators or photovoltaic effect in solar panels.

What is the role of electrons in computers?

Computers use electrons to transmit, process, and store information through semiconductor devices like transistors, which manipulate the flow of electrons to perform computations.

How do electrons contribute to chemical bonds?

Electrons allow atoms to form chemical bonds, sharing or transferring electrons to achieve more stable configurations, which is the basis for the formation of molecules and compounds.

Can the flow of electrons be controlled?

Yes, the flow of electrons can be precisely controlled using various devices, such as resistors, capacitors, diodes, and transistors, allowing for the creation of complex electronic circuits and systems.

How do electrons impact our daily life?

Electrons are integral to virtually every aspect of modern life, from powering our homes and devices to enabling medical technologies, facilitating communication, and driving the reactions that make life on Earth possible.