ELECTROPHORUS Meaning and
Definition
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Electrophorus is a noun that refers to a scientific instrument used for generating static electricity. It consists of a disk or plate made of non-conducting material, such as resin or glass, mounted on a handle or base. This device was invented in the 18th century by Johan Carl Wilcke and popularized by Alessandro Volta.
The electrophorus operates on a principle of charge induction. The disk is first charged by rubbing it vigorously with fur or other insulating material. This process transfers negative charges onto the disk, which creates an electric field. A metal plate or conductive object, known as the "prime conductor," is then brought close to the disk, but without making direct contact. Due to the electric field, positive charges in the prime conductor are attracted to the negatively-charged surface of the disk, causing an excess of positive charge on the side of the prime conductor facing the disk.
By grounding the prime conductor or making a connection to it, the excess charge can be stored and used for various purposes, such as conducting experiments or powering small electrical devices.
The electrophorus is renowned for its ability to efficiently accumulate and store static electricity, offering significant advantages over other early electricity generation methods. It played a crucial role in the development of electrical studies and served as the basis for future inventions in the field of electrostatics.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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An instr. for accumulating or condensing electric force.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for ELECTROPHORUS
- wlectrophorus
- slectrophorus
- dlectrophorus
- rlectrophorus
- 4lectrophorus
- 3lectrophorus
- ekectrophorus
- epectrophorus
- eoectrophorus
- elwctrophorus
- elsctrophorus
- eldctrophorus
- elrctrophorus
- el4ctrophorus
- el3ctrophorus
- elextrophorus
- elevtrophorus
- eleftrophorus
- eledtrophorus
Etymology of ELECTROPHORUS
The word "electrophorus" derives from the combination of two Greek words: "ēlektron" and "phoros". The word "ēlektron" means "amber", which was the earliest known source of electric charge. The word "phoros" translates to "bearer" or "carrier". Together, "ēlektron" and "phoros" form "electrophorus", which can be understood as "amber bearer" or "carrier of amber". This name was given to the device because the electrophorus was used for generating and storing static electricity, which was initially observed with amber.
Similar spelling words for ELECTROPHORUS
- electroplater,
- electrophoridae,
- electroscope,
- electrostatic,
- electromotXsive,
- electrocutioner,
- electropositive,
- electrocute,
- electroplate,
- electrocution,
- electrograph,
- electromyogram,
- electron tube,
- electron orbit,
- electrosurgery,
- electroneutral,
- electronics,
- electric razor,
- electrosleep,
- electron shell,
- electrophoresis,
- electron optics,
- electronic,
- electrocautery,
- electric shock,
- electrostatics,
- electromyograph,
- electric cord,
- electron gun,
- electric power,
- electrolyte,
- electrophoretic,
- electron lens,
- electrolysis,
- electroshock,
- electric outlet,
- electrologist,
- electrometer.
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