Question

What is the Seebeck effect Class 12?

Answer 1

The Seebeck effect is a phenomenon in physics where a temperature difference across two different conductors or semiconductors causes the generation of an electric voltage. It is named after the German scientist Thomas Johann Seebeck, who discovered it in 1821.

Simple Explanation:

1. When you join two different metals (for example, copper and iron) to form a loop, and you heat one part of the loop, an electric voltage is created between the two metals. This voltage is called the Seebeck voltage.
   

1. The amount of voltage generated depends on the temperature difference between the two junctions (where the metals meet) and the types of materials used.
   

  

How it works:

1. If there is a temperature difference between two different conductors or semiconductors (for example, the metal ends of a loop), electrons in the hotter region gain more energy and start moving towards the cooler region.
   

1. This movement of charge carriers (electrons) creates a flow of electric current, which can be measured as voltage.
   

Applications:

1. The Seebeck effect is the principle behind thermocouples, which are used to measure temperature in many industrial applications.
   

1. It's also used in thermoelectric generators to convert heat energy into electrical energy.
   

In simple terms, the Seebeck effect is the generation of electricity due to a temperature difference between two different materials.