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Turning Points in Physics

Cathode rays

  • 3 things to know
  • Paper 3, section B

Overview

Discharge tubes, why low pressure is needed, and how electrons are accelerated.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Key term

What is the cathode in a discharge tube, and where do the electrons come from?

Key term

Why must the pressure be low, and what gives the electrons kinetic energy?

Key term

What are cathode rays now known to consist of?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    In a discharge tube, what must be applied across the two electrodes to produce cathode rays?

    Model answer

    A high voltage must be applied across the electrodes.

  2. 2

    Describe the physical construction of a discharge tube in terms of its electrodes.

    Model answer

    The electrodes are sealed inside a glass tube.

  3. 3

    What condition regarding the gas inside a discharge tube is required for cathode ray production?

    Model answer

    The gas must be at low pressure.

  4. 4

    What is the cathode in a discharge tube?

    Model answer

    The cathode is the negative electrode from which cathode rays originate.

  5. 5

    Where do the electrons in a discharge tube originate from?

    Model answer

    Electrons are emitted from the cathode.

  6. 6

    What is the anode in a discharge tube?

    Model answer

    The anode is the positive electrode towards which cathode rays travel.

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