What is the Difference Between Seebeck Peltier and Thomson Effect?

The Seebeck, Peltier, and Thomson effects are three different thermoelectric effects named after the researchers who first observed them. Here are the main differences between these effects:

1. Seebeck Effect:

• Conversion of temperature differences into electricity.
• Requires two different conductive materials in electrical contact to span the temperature difference.
• The voltage produced is the difference in the integrals of the Seebeck coefficients of the two materials.

1. Peltier Effect:

• Conversion of electricity to temperature differences.
• Also requires the presence of two materials.
• Involves the development of heat at the junction of two different materials when an electric current is passed through them.

1. Thomson Effect:

• Heat produced by the product of current density and temperature gradients.
• Does not require the presence of two materials, as it can occur in a single material.
• Describes the heat release in a material with a current through it, which is directly measurable.

The Thomson effect allows all three thermoelectric coefficients to be found without involving a second material, as the Peltier and Seebeck coefficients can be computed from the Thomson one.

Comparative Table: Seebeck Peltier vs Thomson Effect

Here is a table summarizing the differences between the Seebeck, Peltier, and Thomson effects:

• The Seebeck effect requires two different conductive materials and is related to a temperature difference between them. It occurs when a temperature difference between two dissimilar conductors generates an electric voltage.

• The Peltier effect also requires two dissimilar conductors and is related to a temperature difference between their junctions. It involves the generation or absorption of heat at the interface of the two materials when an electric current is applied.

• The Thomson effect, on the other hand, does not require two different materials and can occur in a single homogeneous conductor. It involves the generation of a potential difference along a temperature gradient in the presence of an electric current.

In summary, the Seebeck and Peltier effects require two dissimilar conductors and are related to temperature differences, while the Thomson effect can occur in a single material and is related to both temperature gradients and electric currents.