MOSQUITO BATS

Source: Hindu

Disclaimer: Copyright infringement not intended.

Context

• The mosquito bat, also known as an electric mosquito racket or electric fly swatter, is a handheld device used to electrocute insects, particularly mosquitoes.
• It operates based on principles of electricity and physics to create an effective tool for insect eradication.

Details

Components of a Mosquito Bat

• Frame: Typically made of plastic or metal, resembling a tennis racket, with a handle for grip.
• Metal Mesh Layers: Found within the frame, consisting of three layers. The central mesh is positively charged, while the outer meshes are negatively charged.
• Batteries: Power the device, providing the necessary voltage for electrocution.

Working Principle

• Electric Circuit: The three metal mesh layers create an electric circuit. When not in contact, no current flows. However, when an insect bridges the gap between the layers, it completes the circuit.
• Electrocution: Upon contact with the charged mesh, the insect allows current to flow through its body, resulting in an electric shock. This shock is lethal to the insect, causing it to die instantly.

Voltage

• The voltage supplied by the batteries typically ranges around 1,400 volts.
• This voltage is sufficient to kill insects but is not high enough to cause harm to humans handling the device.
• The high voltage creates a powerful electric field around the mesh, ensuring effective insect extermination upon contact.

Physics of Sparks and Light

• Ionization: When high voltage is applied, electrons are pulled away from atoms in the air, creating positively charged ions and free electrons.
• Light Emission: As electrons return to their original atoms, they release energy in the form of light. In the case of air, the emitted light is usually in the visible range, appearing as white or near-white sparks.

Quantum Mechanics and Light Emission

• Wavelengths of Light: The specific wavelengths of light emitted depend on the electronic configurations of atoms involved.
• Quantum Mechanics: Understanding the emission of light by atoms requires knowledge of quantum mechanics, as it governs the behavior of particles at the atomic and subatomic levels.

Conclusion

• The mosquito bat effectively combines principles of electricity, electromagnetism, and quantum mechanics to create a portable and efficient tool for insect control.
• Its ability to deliver lethal electric shocks to insects upon contact makes it a popular choice for combating mosquito infestations and other flying pests.

Sources:

Hindu

PRACTICE QUESTION Q.The mosquito bat effectively combines principles of electricity, electromagnetism, and quantum mechanics to create a portable and efficient tool for insect control. Discuss. (150 Words)