1 Answer
The **Peltier effect** is a phenomenon where heat is absorbed or released at the junction of two different electrical conductors when an electric current flows through them.
### **Explanation:**
- When current passes through a circuit made of two different materials (like metals or semiconductors), one junction absorbs heat (gets cold), and the other releases heat (gets hot).
- This effect is the reverse of the **Seebeck effect**, which is used in thermocouples to generate voltage from temperature differences.
- The amount of heat absorbed or released depends on the type of materials and the direction of the current.
### **Applications:**
- **Thermoelectric coolers (TECs)** – Used in refrigerators, CPU coolers, and portable cooling devices.
- **Temperature control in lasers and sensors.**
- **Spacecraft thermal management systems.**
Would you like a deeper explanation with formulas?
### **Explanation:**
- When current passes through a circuit made of two different materials (like metals or semiconductors), one junction absorbs heat (gets cold), and the other releases heat (gets hot).
- This effect is the reverse of the **Seebeck effect**, which is used in thermocouples to generate voltage from temperature differences.
- The amount of heat absorbed or released depends on the type of materials and the direction of the current.
### **Applications:**
- **Thermoelectric coolers (TECs)** – Used in refrigerators, CPU coolers, and portable cooling devices.
- **Temperature control in lasers and sensors.**
- **Spacecraft thermal management systems.**
Would you like a deeper explanation with formulas?