crookes radiometer: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Rare (C2)Highly Technical / Scientific
Quick answer
What does “crookes radiometer” mean?
A scientific instrument that demonstrates the conversion of light energy into mechanical motion, consisting of vanes inside a partial vacuum that rotate when exposed to light.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A scientific instrument that demonstrates the conversion of light energy into mechanical motion, consisting of vanes inside a partial vacuum that rotate when exposed to light.
In a broader scientific context, the term refers to the classic demonstration device invented by Sir William Crookes (1873) that shows radiation pressure and the heating effects of electromagnetic radiation, often used as an educational tool in physics.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The inventor's name (Crookes) is pronounced with the same /ʊ/ sound in both dialects.
Connotations
Connotes a classic physics demonstration, historical scientific inquiry, and foundational experiments in electromagnetism and thermodynamics.
Frequency
Equally rare in both UK and US English, confined to physics textbooks, museum displays, and specialized educational contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “crookes radiometer” in a Sentence
The {subject} demonstrated {concept} using a Crookes radiometer.A Crookes radiometer {verb} when placed in {location}.The rotation of the Crookes radiometer indicates {phenomenon}.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “crookes radiometer” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Crookes-radiometer experiment is a classic.
- He studied the Crookes-radiometer effect.
American English
- The Crookes-radiometer demonstration is iconic.
- She explained the Crookes-radiometer principle.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in physics and history of science contexts to discuss radiation pressure, partial vacuums, or 19th-century scientific apparatus.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
The primary domain. Used with precision to refer to the specific historical device or in explaining the radiometric effect.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “crookes radiometer”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “crookes radiometer”
- Misspelling as 'Crook's radiometer'.
- Using lowercase 'c' for Crookes.
- Believing it runs on photon pressure alone (it's primarily thermal).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it requires a partial vacuum. In a perfect vacuum, there are no gas molecules to create the thermal transpiration effect, so it would not spin.
It was invented by the British chemist and physicist Sir William Crookes in 1873 while he was conducting research in vacuums.
No. While both convert light energy, a solar panel produces electricity, whereas a Crookes radiometer produces mechanical motion (rotation) as a demonstration.
The dark sides are warmer because they absorb more light. The gas molecules near the warm side gain more kinetic energy and 'kick' the vane away with more force than the molecules on the cooler, lighter side.
A scientific instrument that demonstrates the conversion of light energy into mechanical motion, consisting of vanes inside a partial vacuum that rotate when exposed to light.
Crookes radiometer is usually highly technical / scientific in register.
Crookes radiometer: in British English it is pronounced /krʊks ˌreɪdiˈɒmɪtə/, and in American English it is pronounced /krʊks ˌreɪdiˈɑːmɪt̬ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a CROOK (Crookes) trying to RADIO (radiometer) for help from inside a spinning glass bulb.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIGHT IS A TURNING FORCE (The invisible power of light is metaphorically understood as a wind or push that can spin the vanes).
Practice
Quiz
What primarily causes the vanes of a Crookes radiometer to spin?