Question

Mention the characteristics of cathode rays.

Answer 1

Cathode rays:

Cathode rays are a stream of electrons.

Characteristics of cathode rays:

1. The cathode rays consist of electrons which are negatively charged particles.
2. The cathode rays travel in a straight line.
3. On striking metals of high atomic weights, the cathode rays produce X-rays.
4. On striking glass surface or screens coated with zinc sulphide, cathode rays produce fluorescence.
5. On striking any material, cathode rays produce heat.
6. Cathode rays deflect towards negatively charged particles on passing through a magnetic field.
7. Cathode rays ionize gases.
8. Cathode rays penetrate through thin metal foils.
9. The charge to mass ratio of the cathode rays was found to be same as that for an electron.