Question

What are cathode rays? What is the nature of a charge on cathode rays?

Answer 1

The nature and existence of electrons in an atom were discovered by J.J.Thomson in 1897.

Explanation of cathode rays:

• Thomson found that cathode rays were composed of electrons, unknown negative charged particles.
• To show a picture on a screen, a vacuum tube employs a focused stream of electrons redirected by electrical or magnetic fields.
• Because the cathode is negatively charged, it produces cathode rays.
• As a result, the rays strike the gas samples inside the container and ionize them.
• The released electrons from gas ionization make their way to the anode.
• These beams are electrons created by the ionization of the gas inside the tube.

Characteristics of cathode rays:

• In a vacuum, travel in a straight line.
• It has a negative charge.
• It can ionize gaseous or air.
• Kinetic energy is present in cathode rays.
• They have deflected away from the negative charge of the electric field. It shows they have a negative charge as opposite charges repel each other.