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Transmission vs. Emission — What's the Difference?

By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 1, 2024
Transmission refers to the process of sending energy or data from one place to another, while emission involves releasing substances or energy into the environment.
Transmission vs. Emission — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Transmission and Emission

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Key Differences

Transmission is primarily about the conveyance or forwarding of something, such as energy, data, or physical items, from one point to another. On the other hand, emission pertains to the act of emitting or discharging something, especially gases or radiation, into the surrounding environment.
In the context of energy, transmission refers to the process by which electrical power is transported from power plants to individual users via power lines. Whereas, emission in this context would describe the release of pollutants or greenhouse gases produced during the generation of electricity.
For data, transmission describes the process of sending data across networks from sender to receiver. In contrast, emission could refer to the release of electromagnetic waves by a broadcasting antenna, necessary for wireless data transmission but focused on the act of emitting rather than the movement of data.
In terms of environmental impact, transmission systems can affect landscapes and ecosystems due to infrastructure development. Emission, however, directly impacts air quality and climate, representing a primary environmental concern associated with pollutants.
Automotive examples further illustrate these concepts: transmission in vehicles refers to the gearbox that transmits mechanical power from the engine to the wheels. Emission in the same context relates to the exhaust gases that the vehicle releases into the atmosphere.
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Comparison Chart

Definition

Process of transferring or conveying from one place to another.
Act of releasing or discharging into the environment.

Key Focus

Movement of data, energy, or entities.
Discharge of substances like gases, radiation, etc.

Example in Energy

Electricity traveling from power plants to homes via cables.
Greenhouse gases released during electricity generation.

Example in Data

Sending information over the internet.
Radio waves emitted by a broadcast antenna.

Environmental Impact

Infrastructure footprint (e.g., power lines, roads).
Direct release of pollutants impacting air quality and climate.

Compare with Definitions

Transmission

Broadcasting or sending out signals or programs.
Television transmission has evolved significantly with digital technology.

Emission

The release of substances or energy into the atmosphere.
Vehicle emissions contribute significantly to urban air pollution.

Transmission

The process by which electricity is conducted from generation facilities to consumers.
The national grid is responsible for the transmission of electricity.

Emission

Sound production in vocalization.
The emission of sound is crucial in bird communication.

Transmission

The mechanism by which power is transferred in a machine.
The car's transmission ensures efficient movement from engine to wheels.

Emission

The process by which an object emits light or energy.
The emission of light by bioluminescent organisms is fascinating.

Transmission

The act of sending something across a distance.
Transmission of data over optical fibers is incredibly fast.

Emission

The act of producing and discharging something, especially gas or radiation.
Industrial activities lead to the emission of pollutants.

Transmission

The spread or communication of ideas or diseases.
The transmission of cultural practices can enrich a society.

Emission

Something that is emitted, like gas or heat.
Carbon dioxide emissions are closely monitored by environmental agencies.

Transmission

The action or process of transmitting something or the state of being transmitted
The transmission of the virus

Emission

The act or an instance of emitting.

Transmission

The mechanism by which power is transmitted from an engine to the axle in a motor vehicle
A three-speed automatic transmission

Emission

Something emitted.

Transmission

The act or process of transmitting.

Emission

A substance discharged into the air, as by an internal combustion engine.

Transmission

The fact of being transmitted.

Emission

The act of emitting; the act of sending forth or putting into circulation.
The emission of light from the sun
The emission of heat from a fire

Transmission

Something, such as a message, that is transmitted.

Emission

A show; a program.

Transmission

An assembly, as in a motor vehicle, that transmits power from an engine to a driving axle, usually having a manually or automatically adjustable mechanism to control the balance of power and speed. Also called gearbox.

Emission

The act of sending or throwing out; the act of sending forth or putting into circulation; issue; as, the emission of light from the sun; the emission of heat from a fire; the emission of bank notes.

Transmission

The sending of a signal, picture, or other information from a transmitter.

Emission

The act of emitting; causing to flow forth

Transmission

The act of transmitting, e.g. data or electric power.

Emission

A substance that is emitted or released

Transmission

The fact of being transmitted.

Emission

The release of electrons from parent atoms

Transmission

Something that is transmitted, such as a message, picture, or a disease; the sending of such a thing.

Emission

Any of several bodily processes by which substances go out of the body;
The discharge of pus

Transmission

(biology) The passage of a nerve impulse across synapses.

Emission

The occurrence of a flow of water (as from a pipe)

Transmission

(automotive) An assembly of gears through which power is transmitted from the engine to the driveshaft in a motor car / automobile; a gearbox.

Transmission

(legal) The right possessed by an heir or legatee of transmitting to his successor(s) any inheritance, legacy, right, or privilege, to which he is entitled, even if he should die without enjoying or exercising it.

Transmission

(medicine, biology) The passing of a communicable disease from an infected host individual or group to a conspecific individual or group.

Transmission

The act of transmitting, or the state of being transmitted; as, the transmission of letters, writings, papers, news, and the like, from one country to another; the transmission of rights, titles, or privileges, from father to son, or from one generation to another.

Transmission

The right possessed by an heir or legatee of transmitting to his successor or successors any inheritance, legacy, right, or privilege, to which he is entitled, even if he should die without enjoying or exercising it.

Transmission

The mechanism within a vehicle which transmits rotational power from the engine to the axle of the wheel propelling the vehicle; it includes the gears and gear-changing mechanism as well as the propeller shaft.

Transmission

The process or event of sending signals by means of a radio-frequency wave from an electronic transmitter to a receiving device.

Transmission

The act of sending a message; causing a message to be transmitted

Transmission

Communication by means of transmitted signals

Transmission

The fraction of radiant energy that passes through a substance

Transmission

An incident in which an infectious disease is transmitted

Transmission

The gears that transmit power from an automobile engine via the driveshaft to the live axle

Common Curiosities

What are emissions in environmental science?

In environmental science, emissions refer to pollutants or greenhouse gases released into the air, affecting air quality and climate.

Can transmission occur without emission?

Yes, transmission can occur without emission, especially in contexts like data transmission through cables, where there is no release into the environment.

Is emission always harmful?

Not all emissions are harmful; for example, the emission of light from a light bulb is benign. However, many emissions, like carbon dioxide or radioactive emissions, can be harmful.

What role does transmission play in power delivery?

Transmission is crucial in power delivery, as it involves transporting electricity from generation points to consumers across vast distances.

What does transmission mean in a technical context?

In technical contexts, transmission often refers to the process of transferring energy, data, or forces from one point to another.

How do transmission and emission relate in telecommunications?

In telecommunications, transmission is the process of sending signals over distances, whereas emission is the act of releasing these signals, such as radio waves, into the air.

How do vehicle emissions impact the environment?

Vehicle emissions, like carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides, significantly impact the environment by contributing to air pollution and climate change.

How is data transmission secured?

Data transmission is secured through encryption, which protects data as it travels across networks from unauthorized access and tampering.

What are the main sources of emissions in urban areas?

The main sources of emissions in urban areas typically include transportation (vehicles), industrial processes, and heating systems.

What are the regulations for controlling emissions?

Regulations for controlling emissions often involve setting limits on the amount of specific pollutants that can be released, implementing standards for clean technology, and requiring permits for large emitters.

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Author Spotlight

Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj Arif
Urooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.

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