Vacuums

A vacuum is a region in which the pressure is significantly lower than the surrounding atmosphere, resulting in a very low density of matter. In physics, a vacuum is characterized by minimal particle presence and can range from practical laboratory vacuums to near-total, or ultra-high, vacuums used in specialized applications. The level of vacuum is described by pressure, typically measured in pascals or torr, and is maintained with pumps and seals to limit ingress of gas and vapors.

Vacuum technology is used across science, industry, and consumer products. Pumps such as positive-displacement pumps and turbomolecular pumps remove gas from a chamber, while gauges and sensors monitor pressure. Applications include coating and semiconductor fabrication, research experiments, cryogenics, and medical devices, as well as everyday vacuum cleaners that exploit a controlled pressure difference to move air.

Vacuum cleaners are devices that create a negative pressure relative to ambient air to suck in debris. They operate by drawing air through an intake, passing it through filters or bags, and expelling cleaner air back into the room. Key components include a motor or impeller, an intake nozzle, a housing, filters or bags, and a duct or wand. Common types include upright, canister, stick, handheld, and robotic vacuum cleaners. Filtration systems may use bags, cyclonic separation, and high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters to trap dust and allergens.

The history of vacuums spans basic vacuum experiments in the 17th century to practical household devices in the 20th century. Early pioneers demonstrated the feasibility of creating low-pressure environments, while modern cleaners emerged from innovations in portable electric suction and filtration technology.

For safety and performance, modern vacuums emphasize reliable seals, proper filtration, and energy-efficient motors, with ongoing improvements in noise reduction and motor durability.