3B Scientific Dual Pole Tube User Manual

3B SCIENTIFIC® PHYSICS

Dual Pole Tube U8482360

Instruction Sheet

10/10 LT/ALF

1 Anode terminal
2 Sockets for heater voltage
3 Base
4 Getter

5 Dual pole tube

1. Safety Instructions

When the instrument is used in accordance with the
instructions and regulations, safe operation is ensured.
However, safety is not guaranteed if the instrument has
been treated inappropriately or carelessly.

If there is reason to believe that safe operation is
no longer possible (e.g., if there is visible damage),
the instrument must not be used, or if in use it
must be taken out of service immediately.

Excessive voltages or currents or an incorrect
cathode temperature can damage the tube
irreparably.

• Keep within the specified operating

parameters.

• Do not apply a heater voltage greater than 5 V.

When the tube is being operated, there may be
dangerously high voltages in the area of the connections.

• Only use safety experiment leads for the

connections.

• Only make connections when the voltage

supply is switched off.

The instrument is not suitable for student experiments.

2. Description

The dual pole tube is used for demonstrating the
Edison effect, for confirming the Richardson
equation, and for measuring the current/voltage
characteristic (I

curve) of a diode.

A/UA

The electrode system, consisting of a tungsten
cathode and a cylindrical anode of sheet nickel, is
housed in an evacuated glass bulb. The heating
current for the tungsten cathode can be varied
within the electron-emitting range. The anode
connection is safe to handle and is mechanically
fixed to the glass bulb.

The tube also incorporates another system (the
getter), which serves to generate a high vacuum
during the manufacture of the tube, and is not
relevant to the functioning of the instrument.

3. Equipment supplied

1 Dual pole tube
1 Tube base with safety connection sockets
1 Instruction sheet

1

4. Technical data

Cathode area: approx. 32 mm²
Max. anode voltage: 400 V
Heater voltage: 1.5 – 5 V
Heater current: 2 – 5 A

Tube dimensions: approx. 120×45 mm²
Overall dimensions: approx. 170x105x230mm³
Weight: approx. 370 g

5. Operation

• Carefully push the tube into the two middle

sockets of the base and connect the anode lead

Fig. 1b Circuit connection of the 500 V DC power

to one of the two red sockets, which are
connected together internally.

The remaining socket (1) allows an external
connection to the anode of the tube.

6. Sample experiments

For carrying out the experiments, the following
additional equipment is needed:

1 DC power supply, 500 V (230 V, 50/60 Hz)

U33000-230

or

In a second experiment the effect is demonstrated
using a multimeter.

• Connect the circuit as shown in Fig. 2a/b.

The multimeter shows a current of about 85 µA (the
“Edison current”), as the tungsten filament at a high
temperature emits electrons. Between the negative end
of the heater coil and the anode there is a difference of
+3 V, producing an electric field which accelerates the
electrons so that they reach the anode.

1 DC power supply, 500 V (115 V, 50/60 Hz)

U33000-115
1 Digital multimeter U118091
1 Electroscope U85321301

6.1 Demonstration of the Edison effect

In this reproduction of a historic experiment, the
Edison effect is observed by means of an
electroscope connected to the anode.

• Connect the circuit as shown in Fig. 1a/b.

• Transfer the positive charge of a rubbed glass

rod to the anode and electroscope.

The charge remains present until the cathode of
the tube is activated by heating. The electron
deficit is then neutralised by the electrons emitted
from the cathode. The anode becomes discharged.

Fig. 2a Circuit set-up for demonstrating the Edison

supply (U33000)

effect using a multimeter

Fig. 1a Circuit set-up for demonstrating the Edison

effect using an electroscope

Fig. 2b Circuit connection of the 500 V DC power

supply (U33000)

2