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Difficulty: EasyConduction of Electricity Through Gases and Cathode Rays

Which of the following observations occurs when a beam of cathode rays passes between two oppositely charged parallel metal plates?

  1. The beam is deflected towards the positively charged plate.Answer
  2. B
    The beam is deflected towards the negatively charged plate.
  3. C
    The beam passes straight through without any deflection.
  4. D
    The beam splits into two components moving toward both plates.

Answer

The beam is deflected towards the positively charged plate.
Cathode rays consist of negatively charged electrons. When placed in an electric field between two oppositely charged plates, the electrostatic attraction pulls the negatively charged electrons toward the positively charged plate.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the nature and electric charge of cathode rays.
Cathode rays are streams of fast-moving electrons, which carry a negative electric charge.
Determining the sign of the charge is required to find the direction of the electrostatic force.
2
Apply electrostatic force principles to the beam in an electric field.
Opposite charges attract, so negatively charged electrons experience a force toward the positively charged plate.
An electric field exerts an attractive force on negative charges directed toward the positive region.

Key Concept

Deflection of Cathode Rays in an Electric Field
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Topics

Conduction of Electricity Through Gases and Cathode Rays

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