Columbia Encyclopedia

Search results

500 results found

fuel cell

(Encyclopedia)fuel cell, electric cell in which the chemical energy from the oxidation of a gas fuel is converted directly to electrical energy in a continuous process (see oxidation and reduction). The efficiency ...

molecular biology

(Encyclopedia)molecular biology, scientific study of the molecular basis of life processes, including cellular respiration, excretion, and reproduction. The term molecular biology was coined in 1938 by Warren Weave...

voltaic cell

(Encyclopedia)voltaic cell, a simple device with which chemical energy is converted into electrical energy. Two dissimilar metals (e.g., copper and zinc) are immersed in an electrolyte (e.g., a dissolved sulfate). ...

photoelectric cell

(Encyclopedia)CE5 Photoelectric cell: Light causes a photosensitive surface to emit electrons, which flow as current to the positive terminal. A galvanometer measures the current and thus indicates light intensi...

photovoltaic cell

(Encyclopedia)photovoltaic cell: see photoelectric cell; solar cell. ...

cell division

(Encyclopedia)cell division: see cell; mitosis; meiosis. ...

Schwann cell

(Encyclopedia)Schwann cell: see nervous system. ...

Browse by Subject