The ratio is thus dependent on the distance d between the plates and the absorption of the radiation by the gas.
The difference in the shape of the pressure-current curves[1] is well illustrated in Fig. 8, where curves are given for hydrogen, air, and carbonic acid for plates 3·5 cms. apart.
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Fig. 8.
For the purpose of comparison, the current at atmospheric pressure and temperature in each case is taken as unity. The actual value of the current was greatest in carbonic acid and least in hydrogen. In hydrogen, where the absorption is small, the current over the whole range is nearly proportional to the pressure. In carbonic acid, where the absorption is large, the current diminishes at first slowly with the pressure, but is nearly proportional to it below the pressure of 235 mms. of mercury. The curve for air occupies an intermediate position.
- ↑ Rutherford, Phil. Mag. Jan. 1899.
