FCC Exam Question: 6A147
What types of vacuum tube filaments are reactivated:
Explanation: Thoriated tungsten filaments are reactivated to restore their electron emission. These filaments rely on a monatomic layer of thorium on the tungsten surface, which provides a low work function for efficient thermionic emission. Over time, this thorium layer can be depleted, reducing the tube's electron output. Reactivation involves heating the filament to a higher-than-normal temperature for a short period (without plate voltage) to draw thorium atoms from the bulk tungsten to the surface. Subsequently, the temperature is lowered to allow a stable monatomic thorium layer to reform, restoring the filament's electron-emitting capabilities. Other options are incorrect: Barium berylliate and Thorium oxide are components typically found in *oxide-coated cathodes*, which have different failure modes and restoration procedures. Nickel is often used as a structural material for cathodes, not the primary electron emitter that undergoes this specific "reactivation" process.
6A393
6A368
6A400
6A249
6A308
Pass Your FCC Exam!
Study offline, track your progress, and simulate real exams with the GMDSS Trainer app.
Includes Elements 1, 3, 6, 7R, 8, and 9.