DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THERMIONIC EMISSION AND SPACE CHARGE

ASPECT THERMIONIC EMISSION SPACE CHARGE

Definition The process by which free Cloud charge, the collection of
electrons are emitted from the electrons, which are emitted from
surface of metal when external heat the metal surface.
energy is applied.
Location Surface of metal Between anode and cathode
Process of formation Heat is supply to the metal. The Rate of removal electron near to
energy is use by free electron to cathode is lesser than
overcome attractive force of atomic accumulation of the electron.
nucleus. The free electron will
overcome the attractive force of
nuclei and then break the bonding
with the metal and jumps into
vacuum.
Controlling factor 1. Heat applied to metal 1. Tube current
The electron will release if the heat As applied voltage is increased,
applied to metal are equal or higher the charge tend to accumulate in
than threshold temperature of the region between electrode and
metal. If the heat applied to metal electric field
increase, the amount of electron
escape from metal will increase
too.
2. Work function of metal
Work function of metal is amount
of heat needed to remove the free
electron from the electron. Metal
that has low work function, require
less amount of energy to free from
the metal and vice versa.
Diagram