Final answer:
A machine that uses a glass electrode filled with a gas like neon is a gas discharge tube, which includes neon lights and was historically important in the development of understanding electron behavior and electromagnetism.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of machine that uses a glass electrode filled with a gas, such as neon, is known as a gas discharge tube. These tubes are essentially enclosed glass tubes that contain a gas at low pressure, and when subjected to a high voltage, the gas within becomes ionized and glows. This glowing effect is due to electrons being excited to higher energy levels and then falling back to lower energy levels, emitting light that is specific to the type of gas in the tube. Neon lights are a common example of gas discharge tubes that emit a characteristic red-orange glow when filled with neon gas. Other gases can produce different colors, as is the case with signs made with gas discharge tubes that contain gases other than neon.
The understanding and development of gas discharge tubes date back to the 1860s with Heinrich Geissler and were further advanced by William Crookes, leading to what were called Crookes tubes. These were the precursors to various technologies, including cathode-ray tubes (CRTs) found in older television and computer monitors, as well as x-ray machines. The study of these tubes contributed significantly to the understanding of the electron and electromagnetism.