Atomizer, << AT uh `my` zuhr, >> is a device used to break a liquid into a fine spray. One simple type of atomizer is used to spray perfume. It consists of a rubber bulb attached to a short tube, a longer tube that extends into the perfume bottle, and a cap with a tiny opening in it. The cap holds the short tube above and at a right angle to the longer tube. When the bulb is squeezed, a jet of air is forced out of the short tube. This jet blows across the top of the long tube and creates an area of low pressure at the top of the long tube. Atmospheric pressure in the bottle forces perfume up and out the long tube toward the area of low pressure. The air jet then helps force the perfume out of the cap’s tiny opening, helping break up the liquid into a fine spray. Gasoline engine carburetors (see Carburetor ) and spray cans (see Aerosol ) are also atomizers.
