Question

Conduction in gases is due to
A. Electrons and $+ve$ ions
B. $-ve$ ions
C. Electrons only
D. Positive ions only

Answer 1

In order to answer the above question, we will study the basic phenomena of electric conduction. We will define electric conduction and how it is carried out. We will be studying the process of conduction that is carried out in gases with the help of ionization of gas molecules.

Complete answer:
First of all, we will understand the word conduction. The movement of electrically charged particles through a transmission medium is known as electrical conduction. In response to an electric field, the movement may generate an electric current. The material determines the underlying mechanism for this movement. Ohm's Law, which states that current is proportional to the applied electric field, is a good description of conduction in metals and resistors.

Now, we will look upon how the gases carry out conduction. Gases are strong insulators because they are made up of neutral molecules. However, under certain circumstances, the insulating property of the gas breaks down, allowing current to pass through. Spark, dark (Townsend) discharge, glow, corona, and arc are some of the phenomena associated with electric discharge in gases.

Two requirements must be met in order for electricity to flow.
-The usually neutral gas must either generate or accept charges from external sources, or both.
-An electric field must occur in order for the charges to move in a directional manner.
Positive or negative charges may be found in a charged particle, molecule, or ion; electrons are negative charges.

As we know that in many electrical devices, an electric field is generated between two electrodes made of conducting materials, known as the anode and cathode. Ionization is the transformation of a neutral atom or molecule into an ion. Plasma is an ionized gas.Conduction of gases differs from that in solids and liquids because the gases are actively involved in the process. The gas not only allows free charges to move through, but it can also generate them.

When the original electron and its offspring obtain enough energy, each may produce another electron, this is known as cumulative ionization. When this process is repeated several times, the effect is referred to as an avalanche.Therefore, we can conclude that the conduction in gases is due to the electrons and positive ions as electrons are negatively charged and positive ions are positively charged.

Hence, the correct answer is option A.

Note: It is very important to note that metals are good conductors because their valence energy band has unfilled space. A "perfect vacuum," on the other hand, is devoid of charged particles and thus acts as a strong insulator. Metal electrode surfaces, on the other hand, may make a vacuum region conductive by injecting free electrons or ions through field emission or thermionic emission.