The Seebeck effect underlies which type of device?

The Seebeck effect underlies which type of device?

• A. Thermocouple
• B. Thermistor
• C. RTD
• D. Capacitor

Answer: (A)

The Seebeck effect is the generation of a voltage when there is a temperature difference between two dissimilar conductors joined together. A thermocouple uses two different metals connected at one end; when the junctions are at different temperatures, the charge carriers respond differently in each metal, producing a small voltage that is proportional to the temperature difference. This voltage is what allows a thermocouple to measure temperature. Thermistors and RTDs measure temperature by how their resistance changes with temperature, not by generating a voltage from a temperature gradient. Capacitors store electrical energy and do not rely on temperature-induced emf. So, the device that operates based on the Seebeck effect is the thermocouple.

The Seebeck effect is the generation of a voltage when there is a temperature difference between two dissimilar conductors joined together. A thermocouple uses two different metals connected at one end; when the junctions are at different temperatures, the charge carriers respond differently in each metal, producing a small voltage that is proportional to the temperature difference. This voltage is what allows a thermocouple to measure temperature.

Thermistors and RTDs measure temperature by how their resistance changes with temperature, not by generating a voltage from a temperature gradient. Capacitors store electrical energy and do not rely on temperature-induced emf. So, the device that operates based on the Seebeck effect is the thermocouple.